Those of us in the insurance business understand the ins and outs of risk better than most. But when it comes to taking risks in our careers, all that insight and analytical expertise often goes out the window.

Like everyone, we insurance professionals tend to exhibit low risk appetites at work, shying away from big transitions and sticking with the status quo. We avoid risk for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to our careers.

But there’s an even more damaging principle we usually don’t consider: the risk of doing nothing. We overestimate the possibility of negative outcomes when it comes to taking risks—and underestimate the risks associated with inaction.

In her book “Stop Playing Safe,” Margie Warrell analyzes this tendency to stick with the status quo. We may believe that what we don’t like about our careers will get better over time, but more often than not, these aspects of our jobs get steadily worse.

Overcoming the fear of taking risks starts with understanding that simply maintaining the status quo—call it career inertia—is a risk in itself. That doesn’t mean you should be reckless, but knowing when to take a calculated risk is essential to growing your career.

With that in mind, here are 10 career risks you can’t afford not to take:

1) Apply for a job in a different department. There’s a lot to be said for seeking out new opportunities within your organization. You already have a handle on the culture and organizational structure, and chances are, you have some key allies you can rely on in your current department. You might have the upper hand on an open position in another department, which can expose you to a whole new aspect of the industry.

2) Apply for a job you’re not qualified for. This is an easy one to start with because there’s actually very little risk involved. Find a job you want, but make it one that requires some qualifications you don’t possess, whether that means experience or education or something else. Ignore those elements, dust off your resume and submit an application explaining why you deserve the job anyway. Worst case, you don’t get a call. Best case, you advance several rungs up the career ladder into a position that presents a new set of challenges you’re excited to face.

3) Take another exam. The insurance world changes fast, making continuing education a must. But simply satisfying CE requirements or staying current with industry news isn’t enough. Industry designations offer greater exposure to new career paths and make you more knowledgeable and qualified for new positions.

4) Step out of your comfort zone. Next time you’re attending an industry conference, don’t just sit in on sessions. Yes, they’re a great way to learn more about broad industry topics and niche issues, but they’re not the only benefit of conferences. Think of conferences as a way to hone your networking skills—it’s not often that you get to be in a room with thousands of other insurance professionals. You never know who you’ll meet, so grab a stack of business cards and practice your personal elevator pitch.

5) Ask for a raise. Once you have the designation or job experience, it’s time to start leveraging. Sell your abilities and convince your current supervisor that you deserve to be compensated for the skills you offer the organization. It’s an awkward conversation, and more than half of all working adults can’t muster the courage to have it. But the risk is worth the reward—75% of people who ask for a raise get one, according to a 2015 Payscale survey.

6) Be a boss. Making the jump from doer to manager is one of the toughest career transitions out there. But although as many as half of new managers don’t make it past the first year in their new role, it’s a crucial step in any career—a starting point to more responsibility and compensation. And don’t worry—you can learn the skills necessary for being an effective manager.

7) Turn down a job. Our careers are marked by forks in the road. Effectively growing yours means jumping at those new opportunities—most of the time. If the timing isn’t right, sometimes it pays to decline an offer and stay with your current gig to finish a project or pursue personal interests. Saying “no” can be very empowering, and it can give you the confidence to pursue better opportunities.

8) Work for different kinds of organizations. Some people love the predictability that comes with working for a large corporation, while others swear by the single-agent office on Main Street. But the truth is, you don’t really know what kind of organization is best for you until you work for a few different types. When taking career risks, consider the type of organization you’re transitioning to and from.

9) Put your career ahead of everything else—then do the opposite. We spend our entire lives juggling our professional ambitions and personal priorities. Keep this balance in mind whenever you’re taking professional or personal risks. There are times when your career should definitely come first, but be mindful of times when it makes more sense to prioritize yourself and your family.

10) Trust your gut. Most of these career risks are calculated actions that require a lot of forethought and planning—by far the best way to forge a path in your career. But sometimes, it pays to be impulsive. Say “yes” immediately to a new project, speak up when you disagree in a meeting or send that gutsy email. Trusting your instinct is less about intuition and more a result of your past experience. Making a decisive action may actually help jumpstart your career.

Michael Elliott, CPCU, AIAF, is a senior director of Knowledge Resources at The Institutes.

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