What is the Biggest Risk You Took or Innovative/Crazy Thing You Did to Jump Start Your Career?

[Anonymous]

Me? I moved abroad - specifically to Russia in the early 1990s - without a job. I found that my language skills there combined with experience in the U.S. did much to push my career ahead much faster than if I had stayed in the U.S. Presently, I manage an international trade office in Russia brokering deals between U.S. and Russian firms, but have also since put my experience to work in Asia and Africa.

[Anonymous]

Wow I have worked for a single large company for two decades. I've moved quite a bit but my career is way behind my peers. I haven't taken any big risks so far but I am now thinking of working at a startup.

[Anonymous]

I have worked 8 jobs in four different companies in two three different industries since getting my first job after college in 1988 - twice the rate of the average 4 job changes in a career, but it has worked out well for me.

[Anonymous]

Took two jobs after college and law school that were big cuts in pay. Not really risky but hard to do at the time because I was 100% on my own and had school loans. It's paid off.

[Anonymous]

Took jobs I was offered that I wasn't sure I was qualified for.

[Anonymous]

Took two jobs I knew little about (knew the very basics but was unable to find detailed information), over ones I did know. Figured better the devil I *didn't* know, since I was so unhappy already. Both turned out to be outstanding places to work and excellent career moves. But I couldn't have predicted that and they could have turned out horribly. I got lucky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Took two jobs I knew little about (knew the very basics but was unable to find detailed information), over ones I did know. Figured better the devil I *didn't* know, since I was so unhappy already. Both turned out to be outstanding places to work and excellent career moves. But I couldn't have predicted that and they could have turned out horribly. I got lucky.

Ballsy. I took the path more well worn, hated it, quit within 8 months. Kudos to you.

[Anonymous]

I took two years away from the engineering track at my federal contracting company. I went overseas for no pay so I could help on development work for a non-profit. I came back but the time away pretty much derailed my career and my family economics have never recovered in the decade since.
Oh well, it was a great time and I will always treasure it.

[Anonymous]

ZZZZ. Was looking for some really off-the-wall big risks. The only that seems to fit that is PP. Others, not so much.

For example, I had friend who desperately need a security clearance for her civilian job application. What did she do? She enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Doesn't anyone do some really creative, high risk stuff?

[Anonymous]

DH left BigLaw and followed his clients around looking to invest in new technologies. We should know soon if it worked. Cautiously optimistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ZZZZ. Was looking for some really off-the-wall big risks. The only that seems to fit that is PP. Others, not so much.

For example, I had friend who desperately need a security clearance for her civilian job application. What did she do? She enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Doesn't anyone do some really creative, high risk stuff?

You're asking folks in the wrong city. DC is not known as a haven for huge risk takers. For what it's worth, I still think the earlier posters took gutsy risks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ZZZZ. Was looking for some really off-the-wall big risks. The only that seems to fit that is PP. Others, not so much.

For example, I had friend who desperately need a security clearance for her civilian job application. What did she do? She enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Doesn't anyone do some really creative, high risk stuff?

Sorry to disappoint. DCUM is one of the last places I would look for risk taking. Folks here can't wear shoes in their house or poop at the office (only at their own home, only in their upstairs bathroom).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ZZZZ. Was looking for some really off-the-wall big risks. The only that seems to fit that is PP. Others, not so much.

For example, I had friend who desperately need a security clearance for her civilian job application. What did she do? She enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Doesn't anyone do some really creative, high risk stuff?

Sorry to disappoint. DCUM is one of the last places I would look for risk taking. Folks here can't wear shoes in their house or poop at the office (only at their own home, only in their upstairs bathroom).

lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ZZZZ. Was looking for some really off-the-wall big risks. The only that seems to fit that is PP. Others, not so much.

For example, I had friend who desperately need a security clearance for her civilian job application. What did she do? She enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Doesn't anyone do some really creative, high risk stuff?

Sorry, you're bored. I'm finding it interesting. And if that makes you think less of me, I don't care.