“I’d love to offer you the role.”
“Brilliant. I’m delighted. I’m shocked… I wasn’t expecting that”
Some common responses to what’s typically regarded as good news.
But your inner voice?
“Oh no… now I actually have to decide. Do I even want to leave my current job? It’s actually not that bad… everyone’s been so nice to me recently and the workload has become more manageable”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the biggest misconceptions about changing jobs is that the hard part is getting the offer. In reality, for many people, that’s when the difficult decision-making begins.
Why career decisions feel so difficult
Deciding whether to accept a new opportunity or stay where you are is rarely straightforward.
Some people have a clear career plan. They know exactly what they want, and every decision moves them closer to that goal. Others take a more organic approach. They explore opportunities as they arise and often find themselves in unfamiliar territory, unsure which direction to take.
Neither approach is right or wrong. But when you’re standing at the crossroads, it can feel overwhelming.
Listen to your gut
One piece of advice I find myself giving time and time again is this: Learn to listen to your gut and trust it a little more.
We live in a culture that encourages us to analyse everything. We create spreadsheets, lists of pros and cons, and try to rationalise every possible outcome. Of course, logic matters. But some of our deepest intelligence doesn’t come from our heads alone. Often, we know the answer long before we can explain it. The challenge is having the confidence to trust that instinct.
The conversations I have every day
As a recruiter and talent advisor specialising in tax and treasury, I’m fortunate to support professionals through these career-defining decisions.
Receiving a job offer is a significant milestone, but people’s reactions are rarely the same.
For some, the decision is simple. They’ve reached the point where they know it’s time to move on, and the opportunity in front of them is exactly what they’ve been looking for. Accepting the offer is an easy decision.
For others, it’s more nuanced. They weren’t actively searching for a new role. They were open to conversations because they believed they would only leave if something genuinely better came along.
And that’s where the real questioning/soulsearching begins.
But how do you know if the new opportunity will actually be better?
You never know with absolute certainty. Every career move involves stepping into the unknown, and with that there is a real risk it may not be the right opportunity for you. The goal isn’t to eliminate risk; it’s to understand it.
That’s where taking a step back and carrying out your own personal “risk analysis” can be incredibly valuable.
Ask yourself questions such as:
- Why did I start looking in the first place?
- Have those reasons genuinely changed, or am I simply feeling comfortable again?
- Which role better aligns with where I want my career to be in two or three years?
- What opportunities for learning, progression and development does each role offer?
- Which environment will challenge me to grow?
- If I turned this offer down today, would I feel relieved… or would I wonder “what if?”
Sometimes the answers are surprisingly clear.
Don’t let comfort make the decision for you
One thing I’ve observed repeatedly is that the moment someone receives an external offer, their current employer often becomes more attentive. Relationships improve. Managers become more appreciative. The frustrations that prompted the job search can suddenly feel less significant.
Sometimes that’s because genuine changes are happening. Sometimes it’s simply because we’ve become comfortable with what’s familiar.
Comfort isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it shouldn’t be the only reason you stay.
Your career deserves intentional decisions
Whether you decide to stay or accept a new opportunity, make sure it’s a conscious decision rather than one driven by fear of change.
The best career decisions are rarely made from emotion alone or logic alone. They’re made by balancing both. Listen to the facts. Listen to your instincts. And trust yourself enough to know the difference.
Because ultimately, nobody has to build your career except you.
Want to discuss your tax or treasury career?
Contact Kate Flanagan at kate.flanagan@Barden.ie or via LinkedIn to organise a confidential advisory chat.
