Should You Take That Job 5 Signs The Answer Is No

Should You Take That Job 5 Signs The Answer Is No Most of the choices we make every day are simple and straight-forward what to wear to work, what to eat for lunch, whether to go to sleep at a reasonable houror stay up watching Netflix. They dont cause much stress or intern conflict.Career transition points, on the other hand, can leave you feeling significantly more stuckespecially when youre facing a big, life-changing choice like moving to a different city for a job.Here are five tell-tale signs youre about to make a career misstepand how to get back on track to finding work you love.1. You have a sense of foreboding.Just about everyone has experienced a feeling that something is off or a sense of dread they cant shake. Does that sensation creep up when you think about the new opportunity?Maybe you didnt feel much of a connection with the new team youd potentially be working with when you met them. Or perhaps youre starting to worry about relocation costs and not as willing to tak e a pay cut as you first thought.Although most of us come equipped with a sense of intuition when something doesnt feel right, we also have plenty of ways to rationalize these feelings away and ultimately discount them.You certainly dont want to turn down a great offer or miss out on a solid opportunity because youre feeling nervous. A big career move is bound to cause some butterflies.But an ongoing feeling of discomfort could be a sign youre not ready or that this career move isnt the best option for you. Try out the 10/10/10 test to slow down your thinking and separate fact from fiction in your mind will this concern matter 10 weeks from now? 10 months from now? 10 years? Your answers can help you put things in perspective.For instance, if youre incompatible with your colleagues, that could absolutely matter 10 months or even 10 years down the line. Getting used to a longer commute, however, might be something you could become accustomed to in 10 weeks or less.2. Youre feeling de sperate.Feelings of desperation may take root when youre deeply unhappy with your current position, or when you and your family are in a difficult financial situation. You might have an anxious feeling of simply wanting to get the decision over with.When you feel panicky, its tough to maintain perspective, so consult someone who doesnt share your emotional attachment to the situation. This may include a trusted friend, mentor or coach who can help you sort through options in an objective way. You may be amazed at how much easier it is to calm down and think rationally after getting out of your own head.3. Your motivations arent healthy.Be honest with yourself are you considering this opportunity to spite someone elseto make your old co-workers jealous maybe? Taking a new job to sidestep criticism from family and friends or hiding the decision altogether are also bad signs youre making an escape-based choice that you could regret in the future.If you find yourself venting to anyone w ho will listen ranging from your mom to a stranger on the bus or indiscriminately seeking advice, youre likely being driven by fear. This type of polling behavior is done in an attempt to feel better. You seek external validation that youre doing the right thing. But you essentially outsource your decision making to other people when you ask everyone for advice instead of becoming self-reliant. Its important to learn to trust yourself.4. You have to talk yourself into it.You may find the pep talks you give yourself turning into last-resort trumpet songs. Your self-talk may include some version of the phrase, Well, at least IWell, at least I have a jobWell, at least Ill be making more moneyWell, at least it will technically be a promotionWell, at least I wont look stupid for passing off this opportunityThis type of anxious internal dialogue, called intellectualization, is a common response to anxiety. Because strong emotions can be uncomfortable, we overly focus on facts and logic.Wh ile being rational and using reason can of course be a great thing, it can also signal denial. Deep down, you know your possible career choice might be a bad idea. This isnt a productive frame of mind for making decisions about a career move because youre talking yourself into something you dont truly believe is right for you.5. Youre restless.The complicated nature of a significant career decision might make you feel completely preoccupied or keep you up at night tossing and turning. Any career transition can send you for a loop, but you should be able to see promise in what youll be able to learn through the process. Whether its taking on a promotion or starting a company, you might feel far outside your comfort zone, but youll also feel excited about everything youll learn.With big decisions comes uncertainty. Learning to balance your head and heart is an ongoing process. Take the false pressure off of yourself to know all the right answers, right now. No matter what you choose, move forward with confidence, knowing that your career is always evolving.--This article originally appeared on Forbes.Melody Wilding is a coach and licensed social worker who helps ambitious high-achievers manage the emotional aspects of having a successful career. Her clients include CEOs and C-level executives at top Fortune 500 companies such as Google and HP, as well as media personalities, startup founders, and entrepreneurs across industries. She also teaches Human Behavior at Hunter College in NYC. Get free tools to grow your career confidence at melodywilding.com.