Commit to your job by decision, not by default

What if the secret to career satisfaction isn’t finding a new role somewhere else but making the active, recurring choice to recommit to your current one? I learned this counterintuitive lesson from an unexpected mentor: a successful VP who interviewed for jobs he didn’t want.

This VP of Engineering at Google, my direct manager at the time, was known for his laser focus and unwavering drive. While he could be formidable across the negotiating table, those of us on his team knew him as a deeply honest and protective leader who invested heavily in our growth. So when he casually mentioned during one of our 1:1s that he’d recently interviewed at another company, I was stunned.

“Why are you telling me this?”, I asked, trying to understand why a senior leader would share job-hunting details with a direct report.

He was surprised by my question, as if sharing this was the most natural thing in the world. But he explained his thinking in a way that fundamentally changed how I would approach agency and ownership of my career.

“I go on job interviews at least four times a year,” he said, “and I try to get at least one of those to an offer. I’ve done this continuously for over a decade.”

I was horrified. The idea of constantly researching opportunities, preparing for interviews, and facing potentially life-changing decisions seemed exhausting. My philosophy at that time was simple: if you’re happy, why rock the boat?

“But why?” I pressed.

“For three reasons,” he replied.

“First, I need to know my true market value. Are my skills transferable? Can my role translate to other companies? Do I have experience gaps? Is my compensation really competitive? You can’t know these things without testing the market.

“Second, interviewing is the best networking you can do. I learn more about products, strategies, and technical approaches in two hours of interviewing than in a month of conferences. Plus, I build relationships with people I’ll likely cross paths with again. Our industry is smaller than you think.

“But the third reason is the big one: you should never work somewhere by default. Even if you love your job, without viable alternatives, you’re not choosing it – you’re defaulting to it. An offer in hand creates agency.”

He leaned forward to make his point. “There are two possible outcomes, both valuable. Either you find something better that aligns more closely with your goals — great, you just leveled up — or you actively choose your current role over a viable alternative. That choice transforms your relationship with your work. Suddenly you’re not there by default; you’re there by decision.

“Plus,” he added, “once you’ve inventoried all the pros and cons of your current role and then chosen it knowingly over a real alternative, you develop a renewed appreciation for what it is and a focused vision for what else it could be, what else you could turn it into. Choice reinforces your ownership over your outcomes.”

This advice has guided me through every stage of my career. Throughout my fifteen years at Google, I regularly interviewed elsewhere, treating each offer as an opportunity to recommit to my role with renewed purpose. This practice helped me recognize when I was truly thriving in my role and when it was time to explore new challenges.

Today, when coaching clients struggle with career decisions, I often share this story. One senior engineer I worked with felt stuck in her role, unsure if she should leave. By interviewing elsewhere, she discovered that what she really wanted was to shift her focus within her current company. The act of choosing – rather than defaulting – gave her clarity and confidence to make that change.

Reflection Questions

• When was the last time you actively chose your current role? Are you there by decision or by default?
• What criteria would you use to evaluate alternative opportunities? What values and goals are important?
• How would knowing your market value change how you view your current position?
• How might stretching and investing in new skills, networks, and experiences broaden your choices?

Actionable Steps

1. Explore Opportunities Regularly: Schedule time each month to research your field and uncover potential opportunities.
2. Be Open: Don’t reject opportunities out of hand, even if they seem like “Never would I ever..” Have a conversation. Beyond every door are more doors.
3. Define Your Career Criteria: Write down your personal goals and the attributes of roles that would align with them.
4. Network Strategically: Build relationships with people outside your immediate circle – future opportunities often come through connections.
5. Practice Articulating Your Value: Be ready to confidently explain your skills and accomplishments.
6. Reassess Your Current Role: Periodically evaluate how well your current job aligns with your goals. Are there adjustments you can make to improve your fit?

Remember: Success in your career isn’t just about either staying put or looking elsewhere. It’s about continuously seeking opportunities and choosing what you do with intention. Even if you choose to stay where you are, your choice — your intention — will change you.

Marc Jacobs coaches technology leaders and entrepreneurs on career development and organizational leadership. His upcoming book explores how to build meaningful impact throughout your career journey.