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Assessing the risk when making a change

Heyyyyyyyyy. I have been headfirst in this book (well as much I can on the bus), and it got me thinking about my fear of change. One thing I have struggled with for the longest was: being indecisive. I later narrowed that down to a simple problem: fear of change. Many times, being the anxious little “perfectionist”, I tend to be, I will flip flop between decisions. I struggle because I don’t know what’s gonna happen. The unknown seems risky, and I stay stagnant, never really moving forward because I fear the unknown. Later, I came to realize that being indecisive is a choice. I chose to be stagnant. I chose fear over growth. Whether it’s a starting a new relationship (or ending an old one), a new job, deciding whether to go back to school or buying a new car. It all comes with a bag of unknowns. In the past few weeks I have made a lot of decisions, and followed through. Yayyyyy !! Cause my follow through game has been kind of weak. I have compiled a few questions to help you filter your next few big decisions (or small ones), and truly assess the risk involved.

1. What will this change cost me?

For me, the cost of change was comfort. Ya girl loves being comfortable. Fortunately, though, I am learning that being uncomfortable signifies growth, it means you’re doing something right. It means you’re taking a risk. Lately I have been pushing off the decision to go back to school, because the job market kinda sucks right now, and I am still working on my student loans. I have been fed this fear of graduating, and becoming underemployed. That’s a factor, and a very real one. I asked myself: Is furthering my career worth the risk of piling on student loans and not making enough to pay them back? Yes. Yes, it is. I also have to look at the field I am in. Fortunately for me, I work in human services, which means after 10 yrs, good bye student loans. That took away a lot of the risk for me.

2. What will I gain from making this change ?

For the sake of argument, I will stick with the same example. If I were to become one degree hotter, I increase my chances of furthering my career. As it stands, in my line of work (and most fields these days), the more degrees the better. As a fast learner, and natural leader, I am investing in myself by getting another degree. Additionally, it will expand my network. The opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious colleges in in NY, will send my professional life into high drive. Furthermore, the act of working full time AND being in school, will develop a work ethic in an amazing way. It also sets me up to start my own practice in a few years. Sounds like a major win to me. Duhh.

3. What will staying the same cost me?

The answer is: way too much. If I don’t follow through on the decision to further my education, I will be stuck in the same position, struggle to negotiate a raise, and potentially have to change careers. While those might happen on their own, the chances become much higher if I don’t make this change. Also, I run the risk of “what if”? The longer I ponder, the longer I don’t have my masters. Also, it costs me credibility with myself. I told myself I would take a year off, get a taste of the field and then go back to school. To which everyone said “nO yOu’Re nOt gOnNa gO bAcK oNce yOu sTaRt mAkIng mOnEy”. So now, excuse me while I prove myself right.

4. How will I feel if I make this change?

I will feel amazing. I would be honoring the 18 yr. old me, who fought her butt off to even get into college. I would be adding to the number of black therapists out here representing for the one time. I would be one step closer to opening my own practice and becoming Dr. Shaday Turner. I would feel great for investing in myself in that way.

As always,

Thanks for stopping bye and see you soon.

• Shaday