justify⁸">Taking calculated risks in your career can help you reach your goals. Below are some of the common career risks that you may grapple with, and how to weigh your options.

在职业发展中，有些风险是需要冒一下的，这能帮你达成目标。下面就是几个你也许该尝试的风险；以及如何衡量选择的建议。

RISK: Going Back to School 重返学校

Making the financial and time commitment to go back to school for an advanced degree or certification can feel overwhelming. Factoring into the equation family responsibilities or not being able to quit your job to focus on school can make furthering your education feel like a heavier burden.

花时间和金钱重返学校获得更高的学历或证书可能会让人感到很困难。再考虑到家庭责任、或是不能辞职专心学习，这会让接受再教育更难。

Weighing your options: 权衡选择：

"First you need to know your end goal and what you are trying to achieve by going back to school, such as a raise or changing career paths," advises career coach Hallie Crawford. "Next, determine if going back to school helps you achieve this goal by talking to your boss and mentors¹. In some fields an advanced degree matters, in others it really doesn't."

职业教练Hallie Crawford说：“首先，你得清楚自己最终的目标是什么、重返学校是为了什么，比如晋升还是改行。然后，和老板或导师谈谈重返学校能不能帮你实现这个目标再作决定。对有些行业来说高学历是重要的，另外一些则不然。”

RISK: Changing Careers 换工作

So many people hate their jobs yet toil² away daily because sticking with the familiar feels safe. There are a number of reasons why people are unhappy on the job, including being in a profession that does not utilize³ their passions and interests.

许多人讨厌工作但还是每天痛苦地工作着，因为熟悉的环境上让人觉得安全。工作不快乐的原因有很多，包括处在一个不能充分发挥热情和兴趣的行业。

Weighing your options: 权衡选择：

With increased company layoffs⁴, no one is immune to losing a job. Finding work that you love should be a priority in your career. Mitigate⁵ the risk of career change by doing research before you make the leap so that you'll know what to expect from your new career in terms of salary ranges, and what the work is really like.

下岗的人越来越多，谁都不敢保证自己不会下岗。找到一份热爱的工作应该是你职业生涯中最重要的事。在跳槽前先做一番调查、了解新工作的薪水范围及工作状况会帮你减少换工作的风险。

"There's always some amount of risk, but if you are truly unhappy the risk is worth it," says Crawford.

Crawford说：“换工作总会有些风险，但如果你确实对工作不满意，那冒险是值得的。”

RISK: Saying 'No' to Added Responsibility 对更多工作说“不”

If your boss is saddling you with more responsibility with a project or promotion⁶, be sure you understand exactly what that will mean for your success. Not all promotions⁷ are created equal, and you can quickly become the office doormat if you constantly take on projects that may not have high enough visibility to move your career forward.

如果你的老板增加你的职责，让你做项目或是提拔你，你一定要搞清楚这对你成功有什么意义。并不是所有的晋升都合算；如果你总是承担那些对发展也许看不出有什么促进的项目，你很快就会变成办公室里的“受气包”的。

Weighing your options: 权衡选择：

Saying no to more money or recognition is often hard to justify. Your friends, family, and colleagues may think you're crazy for passing up a promotion. But you have to follow your gut⁹ instincts. In weighing your options, ask yourself if this project or promotion will really move your forward.

要对更多收入或认可说“不”往往很难被人理解。放弃一次晋升的机会，你的朋友，家人和同事可能会认为你头脑有问题。但是，你要相信自己的直觉。在权衡时，问一问自己这个项目或晋升是否真的能让你有所前进。

RISK: Starting a Business 自己创业

More people are going into business for themselves than ever before. Many dream of being their own boss but find the risk of giving up a regular paycheck, health insurance, and retirement¹⁰ accounts too high.

和以往相比，现在有越来越多的人自己创业。许多人梦想成为自己的老板，但发现放弃一份固定收入、医疗保险和退休金，所冒的风险太大了。

Weighing your options: 权衡选择：

Do your research (including health care options), save money, and build contacts in your industry while you're still working in your current job.

当你还在工作的时候，就得好好调查一下（包括医疗事宜），存钱，在业内建立联系。

"Business ownership is a risk and it's not for the faint of heart," says business coach Dresdene Flynn-White. "However, the risks can be mitigated¹¹ by financial and mental preparation. If someone wants to learn about business ownership, they should work part time in a small business to get that reality check."

创业教练Dresdene Flynn-White说：“办公司是有风险的，这可不是胆小者的游戏。不过在资金和心理上做好准备可以减低风险。如果想学习如何创业，可以在一家小企业做兼职，了解一下真实的工作情况。”