The Cost of Chasing Perfect: Why Waiting for the ‘Right Job’ (or the Right Moment) Could Be Costing You Thousands
Alice Cheng - Career Coach
Serious about your career? I help professionals secure $10–$35K+ pay rises ?? and land roles they love aligned with their strengths and goals.
Hey Friend,
Let's talk about something costing many people money—waiting for the perfect job, the right moment, or the ideal time to make a move. Whether it's a career change, starting a business, or landing your dream role, the truth is that waiting can cost you more than you think. And I'm speaking from personal experience.
I didn't lose money because I was splurging on luxury handbags or Michelin-starred dinners. The real loss came from something far more subtle but equally damaging—I waited.
I waited for the "perfect" job, the "right" career move, and even the best moment to dive into a new business venture. And in the meantime? I passed up opportunities that could have changed my life, all because I kept holding out for a fantasy.
How Waiting Cost Me Thousands
I made a classic mistake early in my career: I was waiting for the Job Unicorn. The first time it happened, I had two job offers on the table.
One paid $85k, but it wasn't everything I had imagined. The other offer was with a big-name company I loved, but it paid $10k less. So, what did I do? I turned down the higher-paying offer because it didn't feel perfect. I convinced myself I should hold out for something that checked all my boxes.
Fast-forward a few months, and I was $10k poorer in a job that still wasn't perfect. That was just the beginning.
The Myth of the Job Unicorn (and the Right Time)
The more I waited for the perfect job, the more unrealistic my expectations became. I built up this idea in my head that I had to wait for the perfect role—one with a great salary, a big brand name, an amazing manager, and all the perks I dreamed of.
And not just in my career, either. I carried that mindset into other areas of my life, too—waiting for the right time to change careers or launch a business.
Here's the harsh truth: there is no perfect job, just like there's no perfect time to make a big change.
Whether you're thinking about switching careers, starting your own business, or making a bold move, waiting for the stars to align could mean you're missing out on opportunities right now.
The Big Setback: What Waiting Really Cost Me
At one point, I even waited six months for what I thought would be my dream job. I passed up other opportunities because I was convinced something better was on the horizon. And then, when my "Job Unicorn" finally arrived, it came with a $15k pay cut compared to other offers I'd turned down.
I took the job, convinced it would be worth the financial sacrifice. But guess what? It wasn't.
Five months in, I realised it was nothing more than "sh*t with glitter." The manager who hired me left, the systems were a mess, and the work environment was toxic. I got a new bullying boss, and I lost thousands by holding out for something that didn't exist.
The same happens when we wait for the perfect time to change careers or start a business.
I've had clients who have put off changing jobs for years, waiting for the right moment, only to find that when they finally take the plunge, they wish they'd started earlier. They had missed that $20K plus pay rise and promotional opportunity.
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The cost of waiting isn't just financial—it's the opportunity cost of growth, learning, and the potential success you're delaying.
Moving Forward: What I'd Tell My Younger Self
If I could go back in time (and that's one thing no money can buy), I'd tell my younger self one thing: stop waiting.
None exists, whether it's for the perfect job, the right moment to switch careers, or the best time to start a business. You need to focus on what matters most, decide based on what's in front of you, and take action now.
If a job or opportunity ticks most of your boxes, take it.
If a business idea calls you, start building it. Don't waste your time waiting for everything to be flawless; it never will be.
And even if the decision doesn't lead to a perfect outcome, every step you take is an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Next Step: Practical Advice for You
It is a lesson I now pass on to my coachees. One of my coachees had been waiting for the perfect career move—holding out for a role in a specific industry with every perk he wanted. He was offered a fantastic role that didn't check every single box, and he hesitated. We worked together to break down what really mattered:
He ended up taking the job, and now, a year later, he's thriving. Waiting would have cost him valuable experience and career growth.
Stop Waiting and Start Moving Forward
If you're waiting for the perfect job, the right time to make a career change or the ideal moment to launch your business—stop. Opportunities aren't perfect, but they are out there right now. And every time you pass on one, you're losing more than just money—you're losing time, growth, and momentum.
Your career (and your potential business) is a journey. There's no perfect moment, no guaranteed outcome. But taking action today, even if it's not 100% perfect, will move you forward. And that's where real success starts.
If you're struggling with deciding or unsure about your next move, reach out. I've been there, and I'm here to help you stop waiting and start building the career (or business) you've been dreaming about.
If you want some help brainstorming, I have this masterclass on career clarity. It's FREE.
Cheers, Alice
P.S. If this message resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you want more practical advice, subscribe to my newsletter! Let's navigate these career decisions together.