The Burden of Options

Some time back a colleague was reading excerpts from a report on different cultures. One of the interesting findings regarded the outlook of young Singaporeans. It shared that although they enjoyed a wealth of career opportunities, many felt burdened by the prospect of multiple options. They worried about making a decision and they worried in case they made the wrong decision.

This concern over having options and making the right choice is not limited to a specific culture or group of cultures.  Regardless of culture, some people feel stress when faced with a significant decision, such as which career path to select, which job to choose, which MBA to apply for or who to partner with in an important venture.

Would it really be preferable to have no options? To not have a range of job offers or be only selected by one business school. True, there would be no opportunity to regret not having taken a different course and no energy wasted with constant ‘what ifs’.

The ‘what ifs’ that arise as a result of having multiple options are different. What if I could have done better in the other role? What if I don’t succeed in this career? What if I don’t make my targets with this partner?

Still, before heading down the ‘what if’ road, can we first appreciate the options and appreciate our fortune/hard work/abilities that paved the way for these opportunities. We can then determine which road to choose, knowing that roads will always meet other roads.