Is Taking a Risk in Your Career Worth It?

Changing direction in your career can feel daunting, particularly when, on paper, everything seems to be going well.

When we first met Tom, he’d already experienced his fair share of change. From chasing a professional football career to becoming a Chartered Surveyor and building a successful career in property, his journey had never been completely straightforward.

Then came perhaps his biggest career risk yet.

Tom left his role at CBRE and stepped away from the security of full-time employment to study an MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS).

It meant giving up a salary, putting potential promotions on hold and investing significant time and money into something with no guaranteed outcome.

So, was it worth it? We caught up with Tom to find out.

Knowing when it’s time for a change

Despite progressing in his career, Tom admits there had always been a feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

After leaving football, he threw himself into becoming a Chartered Surveyor.

“When I set a goal, I have to achieve it.”

But reaching that goal didn’t necessarily bring the fulfilment he’d expected.

Tom began thinking about the opportunity cost of staying where he was. Remaining at CBRE meant salary, security and a clear career path. Leaving meant giving some of that up for the chance to develop new skills, meet new people and explore a different direction.

The question became: what could I be missing by staying where I am?

Taking the risk?

Starting the MBA gave Tom something his previous lifestyle didn’t always allow: time to reflect.

“When you’re on that treadmill of a busy life, you don’t always have time to stop and think about what you’re good at, what you’re not good at and what you actually want.”

His family understandably had questions. Trying to understand why he’d leave a good career without certainty about what would happen next, however, still encouraged him to go for it.

Tom listened to both sides but ultimately trusted himself.

He describes himself as a calculated risk-taker: understand what you’re giving up, consider what you could gain and make the decision that’s right for you.

Has the risk paid off?

For Tom, the answer is yes! Although not always in the ways he expected.

Alongside developing his wider understanding of business, the MBA has transformed his confidence, communication, networking and public speaking skills.

“I wasn’t happy with my phone book before. Now I’ve got a community of like-minded people I can pick up the phone and speak to.”

It’s also created opportunities he couldn’t have predicted.

Since beginning the MBA, Tom has established a registered company, developed a product, received recognition through a taste award, secured two scholarships and accessed funding to help move his business towards launch.

He’s also built relationships and friendships he believes will last well beyond university.

None of those outcomes were guaranteed when he handed in his notice and that’s part of taking a risk.

What is actually the bigger risk?

When we asked Tom whether people overestimate the risk involved in changing careers, his answer was simple:

“I think they do, otherwise more people would do it.”

So, looking back, what does he think was riskier: leaving his secure career or staying?

Staying.

Taking a step away gave Tom the space to realise he wanted more creativity, freedom and the ability to be himself in his work.

It’s also changed his definition of success.

“Success to me now means being happy and content with the trajectory of your life.”

Risk doesn’t have to mean quitting tomorrow

Tom’s story isn’t an argument for handing in your notice without a plan. His advice is to start by thinking about your values, talking to the people closest to you and identifying what you actually want your career and life to look like. Then, create a realistic route towards it.

That could mean retraining alongside your current job, building savings before taking time out or exploring another industry before making the move.

“Go with your gut, even if the people around you don’t always agree. Look at your values and what you enjoy, then try to tailor your life around that.”

Would he take the risk again?

Absolutely.

We asked Tom for one word to describe his MBA experience and his answer is:

“Transformational.”

The biggest career risk he’s taken has given him the opportunity to rethink what he wants, build a business, develop new skills and surround himself with a completely new network.

And there’s one lesson he’ll take with him wherever his career goes next:

“Create your own narrative.”

Tom’s journey is a reminder that career progression doesn’t always mean continuing upwards on the path you’re already on.

Sometimes, it means having the confidence to change direction entirely and learn something new.

If you would like more information on the MBA programme at Alliance Manchester Business School, please contact Charlotte (Senior Marketing & Recruitment Officer) or have a read through the brochures for a better understanding of where the next step could take you.

EMAIL CHARLOTTE 

FULL TIME MBA

PART TIME MBA