Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What if I’d stayed at that job?” or “Maybe I’d be in the C-suite by now…”? That nagging feeling—career regret—is more common than you think.
But it’s also often incomplete.
I recently spoke with a client who was reflecting on a previous role and questioning if leaving was the right move. We decided to play it out: what would staying have actually looked like—title, impact, personal life, happiness? The truth became clear quickly: staying would’ve crushed their sense of purpose and limited their personal growth.
It’s easy to fixate on a single element like salary or status. But those things don’t live in a vacuum.
When you’re tempted to second-guess your career path, remember to zoom out and consider the ripple effects—on your relationships, fulfillment, freedom, and growth.
The next time regret starts whispering in your ear, try this: imagine the whole alternative reality, not just the promotion you missed.
You may find that what you’ve built is far more valuable than what you walked away from.
Read More: It’s Not All About the Money
