Looking at pros and cons is a very effective way to make a decision, but you have to be clear and detailed about what those pros and cons are. Also, it is a good idea to sit on the list for a while as it is difficult to bring up all the pros and cons right away--the most explicit pros and cons will surface quickly, but secondary pros and cons take a few days to emerge.
Also, when we make decisions, we can't foresee the future--we don't know what other events will occur that will affect our the decisions we make.
So how does one go about making a pros and cons list.
Detail the decision that has to be made and all the factors related to that decisions, then imagine the worst case scenario (primary con) and best case scenario (primary pro). After that get more detailed--take an hourly look, daily look, monthly look, yearly look, five-year look, ten-year look. Take the time you need.
Only when you have a terrific, detailed pros and cons list, then begin to make your decision. Too often decisions are made before people consider all the factors involved in a logical, systematic way. This is a lesson for myself too. Onward.