Does everyone envy friends who took bigger career risks?

It's common to look at friends who've made bold career moves and achieved significant success, then feel a pang of envy or regret about one's own path. This feeling often stems from comparing current outcomes to imagined alternatives, especially when reflecting on past choices. Many people experience this internal conflict, wondering if they played it too safe.

Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicates that upwards of 60% of adults report experiencing career-related regret at some point in their lives, often tied to perceived m

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<h1>Am I the only one who envies friends who took bigger career risks?</h1>

Am I the Only One?

Is it normal to envy friends who took bigger career risks and found success?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to envy friends who took bigger career risks?

Is It Weird?

Why do I envy friends who took bigger career risks?

Why Do I?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel regret about my career choices?▾
Regret often surfaces when we compare our current situation to a perceived better outcome that might have happened if we'd chosen differently. This is especially true in careers, where the path not taken can seem more exciting or rewarding in retrospect.
Is it normal to compare my career to my friends' careers?▾
Yes, it's very normal. Humans are social creatures, and comparison is a natural, if sometimes challenging, part of how we evaluate our own progress and standing. Seeing friends succeed can highlight areas where we feel we've fallen short or missed opportunities.
How can I stop dwelling on past career decisions?▾
Focusing on what you can control now is key. Instead of replaying past choices, consider what steps you can take today to improve your current situation or pursue new opportunities. Reflect on what you've learned and how that knowledge can inform future actions.

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