Buridan’s donkey is a philosophical dilemma on the concept of decision-making and rationality, named after the medieval philosopher Jean Buridan. The scenario is like this:

• A donkey is placed in a hypothetical scenario where it is hungry.
• It is positioned exactly midway between two identical piles of hay.
• Since the donkey has no reason to choose one over the other (both options are equally appealing), the paradox suggests it will be unable to make a decision and ultimately die of hunger and thirst.

While this seems to be a very impractical and unreal (real-life donkeys will make a choice than stay and die hungry), it is a useful metaphor for our inability to make decisions. In professional careers, individuals often find themselves struggling with a modern-day version of Buridan’s Donkey dilemma. The irrationality lies in the struggle to choose between a well-paying but stressful job and a role that offers emotional fulfilment despite a lower paycheck.

The benefits of a well-paying job are undeniable. A hefty paycheck offers financial stability, a comfortable lifestyle, and the ability to meet various personal and family needs. However, the road to financial success often comes at a cost – stress, the toll on mental and physical health and overall well-being due to the demands of high-pressure roles.

On the other side of the corporate dilemma lies the prospect of a job that may not offer the same financial rewards, but provides a sense of purpose and emotional fulfilment. This could be a role that aligns with one’s passion, allows for a better work-life balance, or contributes to a cause that holds personal significance. Individuals drawn to the emotional rewards of a job however, might struggle to reconcile the disparity in financial remuneration.

The paradox is not equally applicable in all phases of the career. At a younger age, the ability to handle stress is much higher, and more money is a compelling goal. However, as money takes care of immediate financial goals, most of us enter this state of quandary.

As professionals, we have a much better logical reasoning than a donkey, and such decisions would seem a lot easier to make. And yet, we see multiple people around us struggling with this certitude. And hence the question is simple – what would you do, if faced with such a paradox?