My company offered me a promotion for a job located abroad. This is excellent for my career and the salary is exceptional, but I can't decide whether to accept it. I procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate. What should I do?
It's easy to procrastinate when you feel ambivalent or wary of making a change. This kind of decision shouldn't be made rashly and requires some due diligence. Before trying to make an informed decision, you'll need to gather information on the location of the new job. Use the Internet, books and other resources to help you understand what to expect. If possible, you'd be wise to visit the new city firsthand to see what it's like. Even though a short visit is inadequate for knowing exactly what life will be like there, the trip will at least provide a glimpse of the environment. You'll have a chance to look at housing and schools (if applicable) and get a sense of whether you could make this move.
If you have a good sense of the kind of added responsibilities and challenges you'll face in the new job, then you're in fine shape. If you have doubts and questions, you'll need to ferret out more information from your employer. Without concrete specifics and realistic expectations about the scope of the new job, it will be hard for you to make the right decision.
You didn't say whether you have a partner, but if so, you'll need to discuss the promotion and what it would mean to both you and your partner and family. If your partner doesn't want to move, you'll be less likely to entertain the idea and then your decision may already be made for you.
We've found it helpful for people faced with this kind of decision to draw two columns on a piece of paper. In the first, write, "I will accept the promotion," and in the second, write, "I will turn down the promotion." On each side, write the worst case that could happen for that choice and see what comes up. We think you'll find the answer is already within you.