HAVE you reached an all-time low in your career and are wondering if it’s worth taking a leap of faith and stepping out on your own? Or do you think it’s best to sit in discomfort for a few more years until you’re financially stable?

If you’re qualified, flexible, eager to learn, but you work for a bunch of parasites who suck you dry and kill your enthusiasm, then taking a risk might be the best thing to do. However, timing is extremely important, and before you quit, jump ship or give up totally, consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking risks.

Dr Ainsley Deer, occupational psychologist and CEO of Training Dynamics and Consultants, said while taking risks is good, a number of factors will determine when and how soon a risk is taken.

“You can take risks at any time but the older you get, the more risky it becomes. However, one should not be hasty to limit oneself because of age,” he said.

“When you’re in your late teens, early or mid 20s you can afford to make mistakes, because time is on your side, but the older you get the more costly your mistakes become. As you get older you have children and added responsibilities, which means you’re not the only one to be affected.”

Take risks if:

1. You’re young

Chances are you may not have as many responsibilities as someone in their 30s or mid-life. When you’re young, the time is perfect to explore careers and experiment until you find your niche. The older you get, the more difficult and costly risk taking becomes.

2.Your job makes you ill

Your work will never end. If a supervisor or boss pressures you to the point where you’re constantly falling ill on the job, then take the leap of faith, believe in yourself, and enter uncharted territory. Importantly, remember that everyone is replaceable so if you die or become too sick to work, chances are you’ll be replaced.

3. You have a great network.

All those business meetings, interviews and new friends won’t go to waste. If your network is truly your net worth, you’re in good hands. Never overestimate risks and underestimate opportunities. Get a hold of your life and go for what you want, once you have the right backing.

4. You’re skilled

Realising your worth is a great way to start. Research your skill sets and see how in demand you are. If you have skills that are needed, take the risk and market yourself. What do you have to lose?

However, think twice if:

1. You’re not flexible

If you’re accustomed to working a regular nine to five job and you won’t easily fit into freelance or self-employment, give yourself some time to think it through. Develop those skills by doing voluntary work in different organisations.

2. You’re the only breadwinner

Think how your family will survive. If you have responsibilities, never take a risk if you don’t have enough money to cover everyone.

3. Your discomfort is temporary

Life was not meant to be easy, otherwise it would be of little value to you. Challenges will arise in your job. If it’s not ongoing, then tough it out, but if it is constant, you may need to channel your efforts elsewhere.

4. You’re in debt

If you have loans and/or large commitments that are monetary, you may need to reconsider taking a risk. A job is secure and a set salary is a sure thing each month. With risk taking, chances are your finances will dwindle at one point. You don’t want to be hauled before the courts.