Deciding on your career can be difficult if you have invested a lot of time and money. You may feel like you need to keep going no matter what because quitting would mean that you have wasted all those resources. This is called the sunk cost fallacy, and it can be very damaging to your career. Jay Jasper a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from Sacramento, CA, will discuss how career counseling can help you overcome the sunk cost fallacy and make better decisions for your future.
What Is The Sunk Cost Fallacy?
The sunk cost fallacy is a cognitive bias that leads us to believe that we must keep investing in something as long as we have already invested so much. This can lead us to make bad decisions because we are trying to avoid the feeling of wasted resources.
For example, says Jay Jasper, imagine you have been working at your job for two years. You don’t like it, but you feel you can’t quit because you have already put so much time into it. Imagine you are taking a class that is difficult and not very enjoyable. You may feel like you need to finish the course even though it is not helping you achieve your goals.
The sunk cost fallacy can be dangerous because it can prevent us from making changes that could improve our lives. It can also lead us to stay in toxic situations, like a bad job or a challenging class. Career counseling can help you overcome the sunk cost fallacy by teaching you to make decisions based on your goals and values.
How Can Career Counseling Help You?
Career counseling can help you overcome the sunk cost fallacy by allowing you to clarify your goals and values. Knowing what is essential to you makes it easier to make decisions that align with those things. For example, if your goal is to find a job that makes you happy, then quitting your current position would be the right decision even if you have been there for a long time. Or, if your goal is to get a degree in a specific subject, then taking a challenging class that is not related to your plan would not be worth it.
In addition to helping you clarify your goals, Jay Jasper says career counseling can also help you overcome the sunk cost fallacy by providing support and guidance. When you feel lost or stuck, it can be helpful to talk to someone objective and unbiased. A career counselor can help you explore your options and make decisions that are best for your future.
What Are The Benefits Of Working With A Career Counselor?
Working with a career counselor can help you in many ways. They can assist you with figuring out what your goals are, help you assess your skills, and put together a plan for your future. If you feel lost or stuck in your career, they can provide guidance and support. Career counselors are knowledgeable about the resources available to help you achieve your goals.
They can help connect you with internships, job openings, networking opportunities, and educational programs. Working with a career counselor can help ease your anxiety and increase your confidence as you move forward in your career. These benefits make working with a career counselor an excellent investment in your future.
How Do You Find A Good Career Counselor To Work With?
When you are looking for a career counselor to work with, it is essential to find someone who is qualified and has experience helping people with their careers, says Jay Jasper. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your employer. You can also search online for counselors in your area.
Once you have found a few counselors you are interested in working with, it is essential to schedule an initial consultation. This will allow you to meet the counselor and ask any questions that you may have. It is also necessary to make sure that you feel comfortable with the counselor and that they are someone that you can trust.
What Should You Expect From A Session With A Career Counselor?
A career counselor’s role is to help you assess your skills and values and clarify your goals. They will ask you questions about your work history and what you want to achieve in the future and may give you tests or assessments.
After your first meeting, the counselor will develop a plan for your future and provide resources to help you reach your goals. The counseling process is confidential, so you can feel free to share your thoughts and concerns with the counselor. With their guidance, you can explore different career options and make informed decisions about your future.
Final Thoughts
The sunk cost fallacy can negatively impact your career decisions. Jay Jasper says career counseling can help you overcome the sunk cost fallacy by teaching you how to make decisions based on your goals and values. Working with a qualified counselor can ease your anxiety, increase your confidence, and provide you with invaluable guidance as you move forward in your career.
If you feel lost or stuck in your career, consider meeting with a career counselor. With their assistance, you can explore different options and make the best choices for your future.