Desperation Can Derail You: How To Avoid Making Rash Career Decisions

don’t make decisions that will do this to your career!

Have you ever been so miserable in your job that you’d take almost anything just to escape? You’re not alone—I’ve been there myself. When work drains you, it’s easy to jump at the first opportunity, but that’s when you need to be cautious. Desperate times don’t call for desperate measures—not in your career. Decisions made in desperation often lead to regret, pushing you further away from what you truly want.

I learned this painful lesson myself several years ago, but a recent conversation I had with someone brought it top of mind for me earlier this week, during a coaching call. They were facing this exact situation, wanting to escape their current work environment so badly, and they seemed ready to jump at anything that came their way – even if it wasn’t the best fit for them.

I told them my story as a cautionary tale. I remember feeling trapped in an old job—like every day was a fight to just get through. So when another job offer came, I saw it as a lifeline. I ignored the warning signs that showed it might not have been a great fit for me. My rose-coloured glasses were firmly on, and I clung to the idea that anything would be better than where I was. But the relief didn’t last. I soon realized I had jumped into a role that didn’t fit me at all, leaving me even more disconnected from what I truly wanted in my career. Oops.

The Problem with Desperation in Career Decisions

Desperation is a sneaky emotion. It distorts reality, turning even opportunities that are obviously not right for you into tempting escapes. When you’re so focused on escaping an unpleasant situation, you stop evaluating potential new roles objectively. Just because a job helps you escape doesn’t mean it will bring you closer to what you actually need.

It’s easy to ignore glaring red flags when you’re so focused on getting out of a bad situation. You might overlook the fact that the company’s culture doesn’t align with your values or that the work doesn’t match what you’re seeking. Instead, you get caught up in the thrill of leaving, thinking, “I’ll figure it out once I’m there.” But that kind of thinking can lead you into an even more toxic or unfulfilling situation.

Why Clear Vision is Key🔭

It’s crucial to step back and get clear about what you actually want from your work. It’s truly shocking how many people don’t know what they want to get from their work, other than a pay cheque. Without a clear sense of direction, you risk bouncing from one misaligned job to another, always reacting to your discomfort rather than making intentional choices that move you towards your long-term goals.

Clarity gives you a filter for making decisions, providing a compass to help steer you in the right direction. It helps you assess opportunities based on what will truly bring you closer to what you want, rather than simply moving you away from pain.

One of the simplest and most effective tools for regaining this clarity is what I call the “More Of / Less Of” exercise.

The “More of / Less of” Exercise

Here’s how it works:

Make two lists. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes and write without overthinking. Divide the page into two columns: “What I Want More Of” and “What I Want Less Of.” In the “More Of” column, include aspects of work that make you feel energized, engaged, and fulfilled—think about your values, passions, and strengths. In the “Less Of” column, write down the things that drain your energy or feel misaligned with your core values. Be specific.
Identify non-negotiables. Look at your “Less Of” list and circle the items that are absolute deal breakers for you—things you simply cannot tolerate in any future job. These non-negotiables will help you avoid roles that might offer short-term relief but lead to long-term dissatisfaction.
Use these lists as a decision-making guide. When considering new opportunities, compare them against your lists. Does the job align with the things you want more of? Does it avoid your non-negotiables? This exercise keeps your emotions in check and allows you to evaluate opportunities based on what will truly move you forward.

This is a simple technique, but it can be surprisingly effective as it forces you to consider aspects of an opportunity that you might ignore just to escape the feelings you have about your current work. I wish I’d have known about this technique earlier!

Lessons Learned

One of the biggest lessons I learned from my experience is that running away from something isn’t the same as running toward something better. There are many directions away from something and a lot fewer towards what you want. The key to making good career decisions is to shift from being reactive—escaping an unpleasant work environment—to being proactive and moving toward something that truly aligns with your values and aspirations.

💡 Decisions need to be rooted in a vision for your future, not just based on a need to escape your present discomfort.💡

Practical Takeaways

If you’re feeling stuck in your current role, I encourage you to take a moment and do the “More of / Less of” exercise. The clarity you get will help you avoid the trap of desperation and make career decisions that more closely align with your values and long-term goals.

And remember, these lists aren’t static. As you grow and evolve, so will your priorities. Revisit your lists regularly to ensure they reflect your current needs and desires.

Conclusion

Desperation clouds judgment, leading you to make hasty decisions that can take you from bad to worse. But with a clear sense of what you truly want, you can flip the script and go from reacting to negativity to making intentional, empowered choices. The next time you’re considering a career move, let your “More of / Less of” lists be your guide. You’ll be less likely to make a mistake you’ll regret.

Take 15 minutes today to start your “More of / Less of” lists. It’s a small step that can help you make more thoughtful and aligned career decisions—and avoid the mistakes I made!

Quotation that I’ve been pondering🤔

I came across this quote in one of Sahil Bloom’s recent newsletter called The Curiosity Chronicles. He attributed it to Mario Quintana.

“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”

It really is something to think about; if you spend your time preparing yourself for what you want to attract, rather than chasing after it, you’ll be better positioned to receive it. A great insight, and one that I intend to apply more of in my life.

Journal prompt

“What would you do if you didn’t need any money, and you weren’t allowed to tell anyone what you were doing? And how might you do more of whatever that is?”

Call to Adventure

Ready to make more thoughtful, aligned career decisions? Let’s work together to clarify your career goals and create a strategy that moves you forward with confidence.

Book today and let’s go!

Or – you could stay stuck where you are. The choice is yours!

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