A balanced sense of ambition and realism helps you achieve the goals you set out for yourself. Those who allow ambition to be their master rather than mastering their ambition often make short-sighted decisions where desire gets in the way of objectivity. Cutting corners to experience rapid career progress exposes you to demands and expectations from others where you need to have the grounding, skills and experience to be successful and meet established performance standards.

Some questions to ask yourself:

▪ Is it recognition, respect, increased prestige, greater challenge, more money?
▪ Have I carefully assessed what demands will be placed on me and do I possess the skills and traits that will make me successful?
▪ Am I moving because I am frustrated and want to challenge myself, or do I feel that I am not acknowledged and my contribution has not been recognized?
▪ Do I have the experience and knowledge required for this job?
▪ How objective am I in evaluating my strengths and weaknesses?
▪ Am I being impatient and have I learned all I can in my present situation?
▪ Am I moving because others – family members or peers have said that I should and I feel the pressure from them?

Pride, ego and the perception that others are getting ahead faster than you can influence your decision making.

Take the time to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses and review the pros and cons of accepting a given opportunity. Objectively take inventory of your knowledge, skills and experience, and make the effort to determine from the employer what will be expected of you.

The decision you make will have far-reaching consequences and you owe it to yourself to decide wisely based on facts and a full assessment of the risks and rewards.