Yesterday, during my evening walk with a retired IAS officer, he said that many officers in his service are unhappy with their professional life. They feel stuck but somehow reconcile to it.
And this is not just about IAS but it could happen in any job, especially the coveted ones (that top B-school MBAs crave).
I am not at all suggesting that one should quit a job just because there are some unhappy days. After all, in every job, you go through terrible patches.
But if you are sticking around despite chronic unhappiness, the real question is the motivation — why are you doing that?
Is it out of acceptance that good and bad things go together? And that the overall package makes sense? If so, that is perfectly rational.
But what it is out of fear? The fear of the unknown?
While it is ultimately a personal choice, living in fear is not a great way to live. Not all fear is wrong or misplaced, but more often than not, it is exaggerated.
If fear is what is holding you back, could you pressure test it? Could you explore other alternatives by dipping your toes first?
Don’t dismiss fear outright but also, don’t let it drive your life. Else, you will live without ever having really lived.
– Rajan