🎲 Decision Outcome Simulator
Big decisions deserve careful thought. The Decision Outcome Simulator compares two life choices side by side — finances, time, opportunities, and lifestyle impact over 5, 10, or 20 years.
Side-by-Side Comparison
What is the Decision Outcome Simulator?
The Decision Outcome Simulator helps you compare two life choices side by side. Big decisions — job changes, relocations, going back to school, starting a business — have financial, time, and personal impact that compounds over years. This tool models the comparison in concrete terms.
It's not a magic answer. The goal is to surface the trade-offs that are easy to ignore when deciding in the moment. By projecting the cumulative impact, you can make a more informed choice.
Decision Math
The simulator computes lifetime income, fulfillment score, and time investment for each option. The comparison is then a side-by-side view, not a recommendation.
How to Use This Simulator
- Name your two options clearly (e.g., "Stay in current job" vs. "Take new role").
- Enter the expected income for each option.
- Rate fulfillment honestly on a 1-10 scale — this captures non-monetary value.
- Choose the time horizon (typically 5-10 years for career decisions).
- Click "Compare Outcomes" to see the side-by-side analysis.
Benefits of Visualizing Decisions
Most decisions are made emotionally in the moment, with the long-term consequences only becoming clear years later. The simulator forces you to estimate those long-term consequences upfront. Often, the choice becomes much clearer once the cumulative impact is visible.
It also surfaces hidden costs. A higher-paying job that requires 60-hour weeks may look attractive in the moment, but the time cost shows up in the comparison. A lower-paying but more fulfilling role might score higher on overall life satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rate fulfillment?
Be honest. Fulfillment is a measure of how much the work itself, the environment, and the lifestyle align with what you value. 1-3 = draining, 4-6 = okay, 7-9 = good, 10 = dream role.
What if the income is uncertain?
Use a 3-year average. The simulator assumes steady income, so use your best long-term estimate.
What about opportunity cost?
The simulator shows you the difference. If option B earns $15k more per year for 10 years, that's $150k of additional lifetime income — but option A might have other benefits the simulator doesn't capture.
What if both options have downsides?
Most real decisions are trade-offs. The simulator helps you see which trade-off you can live with. There's rarely a "right" answer; there's a "right for you" answer.
What about non-financial factors?
The fulfillment score captures the most important non-financial factor. Other factors (location, family, health) often matter most but are harder to quantify. Use the simulator as one input among many.
Related Simulators
- Career Growth Simulator — single career path detail.
- Future Wealth Simulator — total wealth picture.
- Time Value Simulator — quantify time trade-offs.
- Life Progress Timeline — full life view.