I learned the expression "waiting to be shot" when I worked for a small engineering and consulting firm about 25 years ago. We used the expression to refer to employees who weren't performing well, they knew it, and yet they didn't have the courage to go find another job where they'd be more successful. The idea of waiting to be shot isn't limited to demanding enterprises and indecisive employees. For some of us, it's very much a part of our personality, and it's often reflected in how we manage our personal finances and the many things that can influence our financial well being. If we recognize the problem, we can perhaps do something about it. After all, there are much better alternatives to "being shot." Read more »