Do You Feel a Sense of Conviction in That Choice?

I am sometimes asked about the criteria one should use when making decisions in their career.

For example, someone might say, 'I don't necessarily have something I want to do, but I can't imagine continuing my current job forever, so I want to change jobs. Is it okay to change jobs with this kind of feeling? Isn't this just a 'runaway' job change, and therefore not a good idea?'

I deeply empathize with this.
I understand the feeling that changing jobs without a clear goal or making a 'runaway' job change is wrong. But at the same time, the desire to escape the current situation is real...

In such cases, you will sooner or later have to make some kind of decision.
Whether to change jobs, continue in your current role, take on a side job, pursue further education, or maintain the status quo without making any major changes—there are various means and options, but you are engaging in the act of 'deciding what to do'.

When making that decision, it is helpful to ask yourself about your 'sense of conviction'.

Can you feel a sense of conviction in that choice right now?

You should make a choice that allows you to answer 'YES' to this question.

Changing jobs without having a clear goal.
Regarding this choice, if you can feel a sense of conviction in changing jobs even without a clear goal, then you should do it; if you cannot feel that conviction, then you should choose not to change jobs.

I feel like this will end up being a 'runaway' job change.
If you can feel a sense of conviction in making a 'runaway' job change, then do it; if you cannot, then do not.

I believe that to build a good career, it is not about whether the content of the choice itself is inherently good or bad, but rather about clarifying whether you, as you are now, can feel a sense of conviction in making that choice.

For example, frequent short-term job changes or a high number of job changes are often spoken of as 'bad things'.
However, there are people in this world who are living lives true to themselves precisely because they repeated short-term job changes. Perhaps by repeating 'this isn't it, that isn't it either,' they eventually find the one that is.

So, how can you determine whether that sense of conviction exists?

It is by experiencing the process of 'thinking for yourself and deciding for yourself'.

You think for yourself and decide for yourself whether or not you have that sense of conviction.

That said, this does not mean you have to think about it in isolation.

Rather, I recommend that you have someone you trust listen to you and help you organize your thoughts by asking you questions. When you are alone, the breadth and depth of your thinking are often limited, and you may not be able to reach a conclusion you can feel convinced about.

It will end up being a 'runaway' job change.
↑ Taking into account that it will be a 'runaway' job change, do you feel a sense of conviction in changing jobs?

It will end up being a short-term job change.
↑ Including the fact that it will be a short-term job change, can you feel good about changing jobs now?

People around me won't think well of it.
↑ While acknowledging that they won't think well of it, can you feel a sense of conviction in changing jobs?

In this way, you put your worries and concerns—'it might be this,' 'it might be that'—into words, and carefully think through each one to see if it is truly the case, and if so, whether you can feel a sense of conviction even with that included, until you reach an answer.

The anxious elements lined up there are also an expression of who you are.

You should express everything without thinking, 'Should I really say such a small thing?'

You should think for yourself and decide whether you can feel a sense of conviction, including all of that.

The key point when deciding is to consider whether the current you, not the future you, can feel a sense of conviction.

Your future self will think differently than your current self. The environment surrounding you and society itself will likely have changed from what they are now. Relying on that is uncertain.

If you are concerned about your future self, it is a good idea to re-ask yourself, 'My future self might not be satisfied, but can I be satisfied with this decision right now, including that possibility?'

Try imagining a future built on a series of choices and decisions you are satisfied with.
Surely, a life you can be satisfied with awaits you, doesn't it?

★Career Consultation Information★
We offer a career interview service where you can take your time to think about your career and yourself. When you are running through your days, don't you find it hard to take the time to think deeply about the approach to work discussed in this article? Our experienced and kind career consultants will listen to you and accept your thoughts fully. By thinking things through, your feelings may change, and you will be able to look forward. Please come and talk to us.Click here to apply!

★Book Information★
This is a book that will help you understand who I am!
It is a detailed self-introduction book that covers my life story and the path I took to become a career supporter. Please read it!
If you are interested,Click here!