Most people will face at least one major career crossroads — the kind that keeps you questioning what’s next. Stay or go? Take the risk or play it safe? These decisions rarely come with a clear signpost.

On the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence Everest has spoken with dozens of professionals who’ve navigated these moments. Their decisions weren’t always easy — but they shared the tools, questions, and mindsets that helped them move forward with confidence.

This blog explores the most useful frameworks they used when making big, scary, and ultimately transformative decisions.

1. Listen to Your Gut — It Usually Knows Before You Do

Instinct isn’t a cliché — it’s one of the most common tools successful people rely on when things don’t feel quite right. That subtle tension, that little voice in the background — it’s often the first clue a change is needed.

“If something keeps coming up — a feeling, a thought, a question — pay attention. That’s not noise, it’s your compass.” — David Monkhouse, Consultant

“I stayed in a role longer than I should have because it looked good on paper. But deep down, I already knew it wasn’t for me.” — Jo Matthews, Ten Health and Fitness

“Gut feeling is rarely wrong. Every time I’ve ignored mine, I’ve regretted it. Every time I’ve trusted it, I’ve grown.” — Rob Cunningham, BH Live

2. Know What Actually Matters to You

The hardest decisions often become easier when you know what you stand for. Values, lifestyle, culture — these personal metrics help cut through the noise of titles and salaries.

“When I defined my non-negotiables, decision-making became simple. If it didn’t meet those, it was a no.” — Eve Sukhnandan, PureGym

“Does this role let me be the person I want to be — not just the professional I want to be? That’s how I knew.” — Catherine Ferma, Gym Group

“Your values are the filter. Without them, you’ll chase the wrong things and feel lost when you get them.” — James Lawrence, Lifestyle Fitness

3. Don’t Decide Alone — But Choose Who You Ask

Asking others can bring clarity — but not everyone’s opinion carries the same weight. The best sounding boards challenge your thinking and reflect your values, not just your fears.

“A mentor once asked me questions I was avoiding. He didn’t give me answers, just the right space to think.” — Lucy Findlay-Beale, Elevate

“Good advice isn’t always easy to hear. But if you respect the person, it usually lands where it needs to.” — Andy King, Consultant

“Talk it through — not with everyone, just with people who get you and your goals.” — Caroline Constantine, Right Directions

4. You’re Not Stuck — You’re Choosing

Fear can make decisions feel permanent. But most career moves aren’t forever. Recognising this helps release pressure and invites more creative thinking about what’s possible.

“Even the ‘wrong’ choice teaches you something useful. You’re never stuck if you stay curious.” — Jo Matthews, Ten Health and Fitness

“It’s a long game. Don’t treat every decision like a final destination.” — Neil Randall, Urban Gym Group

“Careers evolve. So can your decisions. Don’t be afraid to adjust as you grow.” — Andy King, Consultant

5. The Right Decision Might Still Feel Scary

Courage often comes before clarity. Many guests made their best moves while still full of doubt — but trusting their direction anyway. Fear, it turns out, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong decision. It means you care.

“I’ve never felt 100% ready when making a big move. But I’ve always felt better for having made it.” — Neil Randall, Urban Gym Group

“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear — it’s doing the thing that matters despite it.” — James Lawrence, Lifestyle Fitness

“You grow into the decision. You don’t wait until you feel completely prepared — that moment rarely comes.” — Eve Sukhnandan, PureGym

Final Thoughts

There’s no perfect formula for big career decisions. But there are patterns — and people who’ve been there before. When you know what matters, surround yourself with honest voices, and trust your instincts, the right path becomes clearer — even if it still feels bold.

🎧 For more insights from real professionals, listen to the Love Your Career podcast or visit loverecruitmentgroup.com.