Once upon a not-so-distant time, there was a brilliant lady who had grown restless in her role. She was ready for a change, a pivot. The kind that would challenge her, stretch her, maybe even help her finally feel… fulfilled.

So, she started applying. One application here. Another CV tweak there. She even got called for interviews, and crushed them.

Eventually, one came through. A job offer. A good one. She was excited, nervous, unsure… all at once. You see, she’d spent years in her current job, and even though she wanted more, she started remembering the “comforts” of the familiar:

• Five days off after a night shift.
• Proximity to home.
• Bonds built over years.

That confusion? It crept in like steam escaping a pot lid. Instead of sitting down and weighing her why, she became emotionally scattered, oscillating between ambition and guilt.

Then she made one tiny mistake: She showed her offer letter to a colleague.

He “looked” at it. Smiled. Congratulated her.

What she didn’t know was that he secretly made a copy of it and took it straight to their Boss. And guess what? He used that offer letter as leverage to negotiate for himself.

Now here’s the twist: she didn’t even accept the new job. She turned it down, claiming loyalty to the same Boss who had now seen her plan, unfiltered and premature.

From that point, things started to spiral.

The energy at work shifted. Trust was questioned. She felt increasingly uncomfortable.

A year later, she had to resign. Not in victory… but in weariness. And only then did she start chasing true career happiness again.

Now Let’s Stir the Lesson Pot a Bit

• Know What You Want Before You Start Applying. Don’t start the journey only to realize midway that you’re emotionally attached to the night shift and free weekends. Every pivot begins with clarity. Sit down. Reflect. Count the cost. Draw your pros and cons. Not every new job is the answer, but indecision is a thief of progress.
• Not Every Gist Is for Public Consumption. Please hear me loud and clear: be discrete. There’s a reason cooking pots come with lids. When you’re cooking your next move, keep it covered until it’s done. Don’t share screenshots, offer letters, or even “small hints” until you’ve accepted, signed, and dropped your resignation. Foodies like us know, when you open the pot too early, the flavour escapes. Don’t let your dream lose its aroma.
• Keep Destiny Killers Far From You. Years ago, I once told a senior colleague that I didn’t want to spend my whole life on the bench. She scoffed. “Oh Nancy,” she said, “why do you always think you’re so special? I don’t think you’ll amount to much. Just get comfortable with reading slides.”

I nearly cried that day. I buried my head in the microscope and quietly counted malaria parasites to hide how embarrassed I felt. That day taught me never to share light with people who prefer shadows. And I’ve kept her at arm’s length ever since.

Colleagues, If you’re planning a pivot, be wise.

Be strategic.

Be gracious.

But also, be silent until it’s time to speak. Let your announcement be a confirmation, not a preamble.

This isn’t only about jobs. It’s about power.

The power to protect your progress.

The power to own your process.

You deserve the joy and fulfilment that comes with making a move that feels right.

But make it wisely, make it quietly, and when you show up, let it be with fire, favour, and finished plans.

To your next level with strategy and sense,

Nancy Njoku-Attah