Can you think of a time when you satisficed in making a significant life decisio

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There are no crystal balls in life, so no way to know what lies in the future. Attempting to predict the future is a largely frustrating and futile endeavor. You can only make the best decision you can based on the available information, some contemplation of the career and life you want to lead, and your present feelings. Also, recognize that this isn't your final decision on your career and life; you will have many "forks in the road" ahead of you and few are irreversible (expect parenthood!). That should help put the decision in perspective and reduce its feeling of enormity.

There are several facets of this decision that you can consider (with some relevant tangents thrown in as well).

First, what is the objective reality of the two options you face, meaning how will the two paths impact your career? A big part of this involves giving a lot of thought to the career you want. How will the decision influence your identified career dream goal? Can you live comfortably with less money that will come if you change jobs? Will the new job really mean fewer hours and less stress? How will either path impact your upcoming marriage, having a family, being a mother, and your overall quality of life? What are the implications of this decision on your future financial goals?

Speaking of the future, here is a really important point to consider if you're thinking about sticking with your current job in the hope that it will lead to a job in government. You are a phenomenally capable person and I'm guessing your resume is pretty impressive. My question is this: do you really need your current job to get that dream job that you now covet? Also, things may change in the future such that you may no longer want that "ideal" job (dreams have a way of changing over time). My point is that I don't think you should base your decision on something that may or may not happen in the future. There no way to know what unexpected and wonderful things may happen in your future. Plus, serendipity has an amazing way of changing our lives.

I, for example, never had a clear career path (I just followed my passions and jumped at every opportunity that arose). But I have had a very clear idea of what I loved to do (e.g., write, counsel, teach). I was also never driven by money. Yes, I wanted to earn a good living, but not at the expense of my independence, time with my family, and being able to do the things I love. I could have chosen paths in which I would have made a lot more money, but, seeing friends go down that road, it wasn't one that I wanted.

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