There’s a strange kind of limbo that exists between knowing you want more in your career and actually moving toward it in your career.

It’s easy to think you’re just waiting to decide. But Rush, one my favorite bands, puts it best:

“If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”

This line is TRUTH. Not making a decision is still a decision. And … when you choose not to decide you can have negative consequences in your career.

Over the years, as a recruiter and career coach, I have heard all sorts of (very legit sounding) reasons why someone is holding off on making the decision to take action for their career dreams.

They know that they want to go after a new role, make more money, and/or take on greater responsibilities either inside or outside of their current company yet days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, months can turn into years of deciding to let their career happen to them.

Even when someone is on a job search, they will “think about” trying new ways to raise their visibility in the market instead of deciding to do what feels uncomfortable and accelerate meeting their future boss.

It’s not what you can’t do that’s holding you back … it’s what you haven’t chosen to do yet.

Does it really matter if I choose not to decide right now?

I won’t mince words here. YES!

Unmade decisions cost you.

• There is a hidden drag on your energy and your confidence.
• When you stay in indecision you feel frustrated and confused.
• You question your value at work.
• You slow your progress in your career.
• You make less money!

You want to move into a new role, but you haven’t invested in a coach for support.

You want to flex your leadership skills but still stay quiet in meetings.

You want to ask for that promotion but keep putting off the conversation with your boss.

There is good news.

Once you decide that you are going to go after what you want change happens fast!

Guess What? Alchemists Decide

In Career Alchemy Academy, we talk a lot about the energy of decision.

• Alchemists don’t wait for clarity to arrive … we decide, and clarity follows.
• We don’t pretend that everything is in our control … but we do take 100% responsibility for our results.
• We know we have to put ourselves out there to advance our careers … and we believe that the most meaningful change always starts from the inside.

So, if you’re tired of circling the same old thoughts, waiting for the timing to be better, or blaming external forces for your internal pause…

It might be time to decide.

A great first step is to figure out what decisions you haven’t made that might be dragging down your energy and keeping you from deciding to take action on your career next steps.

4 Ways to Uncover the Decisions You Haven’t Made

1. What decision have I been circling, but not making? Examples: Do I stay or go? Do I speak up or stay silent? Do I invest in support or keep DIYing?

2. Where do I feel consistently drained? Energy leaks often point to places where decisions are long overdue.

3. What am I tolerating that I’ve outgrown? That thing you keep saying “it’s fine” about? It probably isn’t.

4. Where am I blaming external factors when I know that external factors are only part of the picture? Be honest with yourself here. Not to shame but to reclaim your agency.

What Now?

Start with one small decision—like reaching out to someone in your network, updating your LinkedIn, or finally having that convo with your boss.

The kind of decision that shifts your energy and reminds you you’re in charge.

What are you ready to decide today?