11 Times You Took a Risk and Totally Failed (and Why That's OK)

You just had the boss-day from hell and quit, which is pretty risky. Not having a backup plan might lead to failure but can actually teach you a lot about yourself. Learning how to live frugally, figuring out your strengths, and revising your cover letter can lead you to bigger and better things.

Sometimes spending so much time with someone can create confusing feelings, making you question if it's actually love. And, when denied, it can be devastating. Unlike a real breakup, you'll probably go out for coffee after the drama and remain BFFs forever.

When someone shares something in confidence and you hit a moment where you feel that info might be beneficial to someone else? Yeah. It's best to keep that info to yourself. Even though you think you're helping the situation, you are putting your friendship at risk. The best thing to do is be honest and call your friend, letting her know you messed up.

While cornered at a party, you want to sound smart, witty, and totally cool, but what comes out of your mouth is anything but. Hey, not everyone is a perfect conversationalist. The next time you're tongue-tied, excuse yourself, take a few moments, and prepare a smart conversation starter.

Sometimes standing up for yourself in a difficult situation can be very cathartic — and sometimes it can end badly. Take a moment to think about what you really want to say and how to deliver your feelings. Visualizing the interaction helps you work through the situation, making it easier to share your thoughts and move on afterward.

You've been dating someone for a few months but totally think you hit it off, so when he ends up taking a job in a different city, you pack up all your stuff and follow blindly. Although this risky decision might work out in the end, you're ditching your life, which doesn't create an equal relationship. Maybe give it a month before taking that road trip.

After applying for just about any and every job you feel qualified for, you take one that might be a bit above your knowledge level. Although a great way to learn and potentially grow your career, not having the right skill set can be a big detriment to the company. It's best to head to HR and talk through the problem, coming up with a solution that works for everyone.

Just because you need extra cash doesn't qualify you for a raise. And it's not about how many months or years you've been in the position, but what you bring to the company. Hey, it's OK you got denied. Putting yourself out there shows higher-ups you actually are invested in the position. But before starting this important conversation in the future, take the time to determine the best way to negotiate the raise you deserve.

A big risk to take when moving to a location you can't visit first, selecting a place to live without getting to check it out can go bad — really bad. When moving cross country, I took an apartment over the phone based on a 10-minute conversation with the landlord. The place was actually really awesome — except for the upstairs tenant who stomped around all hours of the night. If in this situation, ask your landlord about signing a three-month lease or renting month to month, saving you the potential long-term sleepless nights.

With years under your belt as a respected person in your field, deciding to quit and open a bakery might seem like the solution to your doldrums — but not an especially smart one. The feeling is pretty common when beginning a career, but once you're settled, ditching what you have for something you're not prepared for could be devastating.

You want to travel the world, so spending your savings on a plane ticket is a smart way to get some adventure, right? No. Thinking everything will fall into place after you land can lead to some pretty challenging situations — and just isn't safe. You may return with amazing stories, but planning a big trip shouldn't be a last-minute decision. Take the time to organize the details for a life-changing experience.

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