Newton's First Law of Motion and Career Trajectory

When I am discussing a new career opportunity with a recruited candidate, I have found that now, more than ever before, questions about how 'failure-proof' the job is arise. In a volatile economy, it is not surprising that candidates are more wary about downsides than they were in the kinetic employment market of just a year or so ago. There is a marked tendency to stay in place. But being overly cautious can blind you to a genuine career-making position that may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. How do you weigh the risk/reward balance to make the best decision? How much of a career choice is based solely on staying in a comfort-zone? Here are some thoughts based on my years of professional recruiting and placement that you might find helpful.

Upsetting the apple-cart

While the status-quo of staying the course (a body in motion tends to stay in motion, etc.) becomes especially seductive in a down job market, it is not always the best philosophy when making a career decision. If you are employed, it is admittedly difficult to justify taking a chance on leaving 'what you know' for something new. And even if you are not currently working (a body at rest . . . ), the temptation to take any job that comes along just to jump-start things can detour you from a better reasoned career decision.

If you are working, you have to ask yourself if you are truly 'happy' at your job, or are you just 'satisfied' with things the way they are. Satisfaction, while certainly a good thing, might just be a rationalization of career-boredom. A regular pay check is a powerful inducement to stay put. And if you are not working, it is almost impossible to turn down. But listen to what is being offered before jumping in our jumping out.

The possibility of a new job is Newton's "outside force," the catalyst that acts on a moving or resting body and changes the entire dynamic. It forces you to re-evaluate your current situation and challenges you to entertain new possibilities that will require making big changes in your life. Dealing with the unknown is frightening and a new job is always an unknown.

Risk Factor

Taking a new job is always a risk. There are ways to minimize those risks, but there are never any guarantees of success. However, the potential 'upside' to a well chosen job change is, in my experience, well worth the risk. Statistics show that most careers are made up of several job changes. Transition is the rule, so be open to making a move. Naturally, compensation is a major driver in the decision to take a new position. But making a lateral, or even a retrograde move to achieve a career goal might be a viable choice. Are you looking to change industries or move into another field? "Hot" industries that offer exciting long-term growth may require salary stagnation, at least initially. Some industries are more bonus centered or performance compensated, resulting in less guaranteed income but a more lucrative payout than would otherwise be possible for a successful achiever. Such positions can be great motivators while on paper, appear more risky than straight compensation. I have seen people become wildly successful in such environments, finally discovering themselves in what they thought was a 'risky' compensation arrangement. The bottom line, since risk is always a part of job change, don't wait for a completely 'risk free' position to come along because it never will.

Inert vs. Inertia

If you are currently in-between positions, there is certainly merit (especially in the current job market) to taking any permanent position that comes along, if for no other reason than to get medical and insurance benefits. It is hard to argue a 'selectivity' mindset when layoffs and cutbacks are daily news fodder. However, you can position yourself to make a less pressured job decision by not letting yourself be characterized as unemployed. For example, I would strongly suggest taking temporary or consulting work. Ideally, this will provide an income stream and in some cases access to benefits. Approach your professional contacts and friends about finding this type of association, even if it is not a well compensated arrangement. Avail yourself of reputable temporary services and always assume that any assignment might convert to a full time job. The fact that you are active and productive makes you more marketable and better able to look at new opportunities from a less pressured perspective. Another route to take during an employment gap would be to pursue additional academic or professional credentials. MBA courses, certificate programs, licenses, etc. will all help you market yourself and give you new exposure to professors and other individuals who can become part of your networking. Do not let the Newtonian law of inactivity being an on-going state take hold. Create activity for yourself as it puts you in a far better position to make a career decision when the opportunity presents itself.


I have seen first hand the importance of an individual's mind-set in the recruiting field. Candidates are their own best friend and worst enemy when approached concerning a new position. If they have taken positive steps in their career by thinking long-term about opportunities and how their abilities can take them where they want to go, they will likely reach their goals (and it comes across in conversations and interviews). Conversely, if they are overly consumed with risk-avoidance to the point of short-selling their own abilities, they stagnate. It matter little if you are employed or not. The tools required to keep a career moving forward even when you experience a set-back, are within your grasp. Think positively, act aggressively and you will be pleasantly surprised at how things work out.


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