Help Wanted Podcast Summary
Episode: What To Do When There’s No Perfect Answer
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Hosts: Jason Feifer (Editor-in-Chief, Entrepreneur) & Nicole Lapin (Money Expert)
Produced By: Money News Network

Introduction to the Episode

In this insightful episode of Help Wanted, hosts Jason Feifer and Nicole Lapin tackle the challenging dilemma many professionals face: making decisions when there’s no perfect answer. The episode delves into navigating the murky waters of unsatisfying yet familiar situations versus venturing into the unknown, potentially more rewarding paths.

The Dilemma: Familiar vs. Unknown

Jason opens the discussion by presenting a common predicament:

Jason Feifer [02:42]:
"You are stuck between two bad options. Option number one, something unsatisfying but familiar. And option number two, something scary and unknown."

He elaborates on how individuals often cling to the familiar despite its drawbacks, fearing the uncertainties that come with change. This fear is rooted in the old adage:

Jason Feifer [03:15]:
"The devil you know is better than the devil you don't."

Real-Life Example: Jim's Struggle

To illustrate this dilemma, Jason shares a story about his friend Jim:

Jason Feifer [04:00]:
"Jim has been in the same company for years and it just reorganized. So now Jim is on a new team with a new boss. And this boss sucks. This boss is constantly blaming Jim for things and telling Jim that he's done a bad job. And Jim is miserable every day."

Jim confides his fears:

Jim (Case Study) [04:30]:
"I think I'm going to be fired. It's driving me crazy."

Jason challenges Jim's mindset:

Jason Feifer [04:45]:
"Why not just leave?"

Jim hesitates, valuing the stability his job provides. Jason then shifts the perspective:

Jason Feifer [05:10]:
"What if leaving is actually the more stable choice? We need to redefine what stability really means."

Redefining Stability: Control vs. Familiarity

Jason argues that true stability is not merely about holding onto a job but having control over one’s circumstances:

Jason Feifer [05:30]:
"Jim doesn't know what'll happen next. He doesn't see a path to success. He doesn't know what actions will improve his situation. And every day feels like a mystery. That is not stability. That is familiar instability."

Conversely, taking proactive steps offers a different kind of stability rooted in control:

Jason Feifer [06:00]:
"He would update his resume, he'd call his network, he would apply for jobs, he would develop new skills, and so on. These actions are firmly within his control."

The Framework for Decision-Making

To aid listeners in navigating similar dilemmas, Jason outlines a three-step framework:

Step 1: Define Stability for Yourself

Jason Feifer [06:30]:
"Be realistic about it. We can't be idealistic here."

Using Jim's case, he emphasizes setting achievable definitions of stability:

Jason Feifer [06:45]:
"Jim's ideal stability would be to get a better boss and stay at his old job. But that's not possible. He's already tried. He is stuck where he is."

Step 2: Evaluate Each Path

Assess the clarity and controllability of each option:

Jason Feifer [07:10]:
"Ask yourself, which situation is in front of me has a clearer path to success and which path do I have more control over? Whatever your answer is, that is your stable path."

For Jim, the path to a new job presents clear, actionable steps compared to the murky prospects of staying.

Step 3: Identify the First Three Actions

Plan concrete steps to mitigate the fear of the unknown:

Jason Feifer [07:50]:
"Identify the first three things you can do when you make a decision to change."

In Jim's scenario, these steps might include:

1. Put in Notice or Start Job Hunting
2. Inform Professional Network of Job Search
3. Engage Actively on LinkedIn

Jason emphasizes that these actions provide a sense of direction and reduce the anxiety associated with change.

Final Insights: Stability Through Control

Wrapping up, Jason reinforces that true stability is about having control rather than clinging to the familiar:

Jason Feifer [08:45]:
"Sometimes leaving something is the stable option. That's because true stability lies on the other side of whatever we're trapped in. So choose the path of control. That is what's stable."

He also introduces a pivotal question for listeners to consider:

Jason Feifer [09:00]:
"Is my new problem better than my old problem?"

This introspection ensures that the chosen path leads to genuine progress rather than merely trading one set of issues for another.

Conclusion

In this episode of Help Wanted, Jason Feifer and Nicole Lapin provide a compelling framework for making tough decisions when faced with imperfect choices. By redefining stability as control and offering actionable steps, they empower listeners to navigate their professional and personal lives with confidence and clarity.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Feifer [02:42]:
  "You are stuck between two bad options. Option number one, something unsatisfying but familiar. And option number two, something scary and unknown."

• Jason Feifer [03:15]:
  "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't."

• Jason Feifer [05:10]:
  "What if leaving is actually the more stable choice? We need to redefine what stability really means."

• Jason Feifer [08:45]:
  "Sometimes leaving something is the stable option. That's because true stability lies on the other side of whatever we're trapped in. So choose the path of control. That is what's stable."

For more insights and assistance with your work-related challenges, consider reaching out via helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com and follow Help Wanted on Instagram and TikTok at @MoneyNewsNetwork.