We all must make career changes at some point in our lives. For some of us, it’s a voluntary change that we make to further our careers. For others, it’s an involuntary change because of a layoff or other economic factors. But no matter what the circumstances are, changing careers or even just your job within the same career can be a scary proposition.
In this article, we will dig deeper into what fear of career change is, the reasons why people are anxious, and how to overcome it.
What is Fear of Career Change?
The fear of career change refers to the psychological anxiety that comes with making a significant change in one’s line of employment. It may manifest in various ways, such as self doubt, fear of the unknown or the conviction that you are unqualified for the new job. You can become paralyzed by this dread and unable to make the required adjustments.
Change in your career is a process, and processes may be scary. With the proper preparation and support, you can successfully implement your change and put an end to your worries.
Reasons You’re Anxious About Getting a New Job
It’s normal to feel some new job anxiety when you’re starting. After all, it requires you to step out of your comfort zone. It also leads you to a new environment with new people and challenges. But if your anxiety prevents you from applying for jobs, it’s time to take a step back and assess the situation. Here are some common reasons why people feel anxious about getting a new job:
Anxious about the Unknown
It might be frightening to embark on a new professional path or to begin working for a firm for the first time. You have no idea what the job will be like, whether you will enjoy it, or whether you will be good at it. All these things can be frightening, making it difficult to take the initial step toward a new job.
Worried You Won’t Fit In
When you begin a new job, you effectively start over in a different environment with new people. This could be intimidating, especially if you don’t know the team. Additionally, you can feel like you must start again and establish yourself at the new company.
Afraid You Won’t Like the New Job
Who’s to say that you wouldn’t be equally miserable elsewhere even if you hate your current job?
When you have a lousy job, it’s simple to assume that long hours, challenging supervisors, and demanding clients are the way things are in the world. But when things are awful, listen to reason and search for a solution.
There is no assurance that you will enjoy your new work, regardless of how much study you do or how many people you speak with. You can end yourself in a position entirely unrelated to what you had in mind, or you might find that you do not get along with your new coworkers. If you are worried that the new work won’t be enjoyable, it can be challenging to take the initial step and apply.
After all, you’ll never know if you’re interested in the position unless you apply. Additionally, if you despise your job, you can be forced to make unpleasant decisions.
Afraid You Won’t Be Good Enough
Changing careers will expose you to new tasks requiring you to learn and excel. After all, you are employed by a company that must succeed. This will add pressure to prove yourself and deliver to the company. This increased your fear of being underqualified for the position and dropped by the company.
However, this fear is valid. Most companies do not engage in training new employees. You’ll be tasked with learning from the ground up from your colleagues or scratch through online learning materials.
Concerned about the Interview Process
It can be nerve-wracking to go through an interview, especially if you haven’t done one in a while. You might be worried about saying the wrong thing or about how you’ll look to potential employers. If you’re nervous about the interview process, it’s important to remember that everyone feels this way at some point. You’ll be fine if you just chill out and be yourself.
Nervous about Moving to a New Place
It could be scary to move to a new city. You might be worried about finding a new place to live, meeting new people, and getting used to a new environment. If you are worried about moving to a new city, remember that everyone goes through this at some point. You’ll get used to your new home if you take the time and are patient.
Where you work greatly affects you and your career. Every company has its way of doing things, and not everyone will be happy working there. So, feeling nervous about moving to a new place and getting used to a new environment is normal.
If you’re worried about moving to a new place, try to research as much as possible about the area before moving. Once you’re there, reach out to your friends, family, and colleagues to help you settle in.
Anxious about Leaving Your Current Job
If you’re a dedicated worker, it’s sad to think about letting down your boss or not giving them what they need during a busy time. Loyalty to your boss is great, but what about your career? You need to care about both your personal goals and your professional growth.
Furthermore, everyone can get concerned about quitting their current employment due to instability. It is a significant decision that will determine your future success or failure.
Worried You Won’t Make Enough Money
People’s biggest worry is that they won’t make enough money at their new job. This is a real concern, especially if you’re moving to an area where things are more expensive. Also, your wage might be different from what it is now. When you already have bills to pay, it can be scary to think about making less money.
How to Get Over Your Fear of Changing Jobs
Here are some of the suggested tips for you to overcome career change fears:
Turn Your Fear into an Advantage
Although symptoms of fear typically exaggerate the reality of changing jobs, you should be aware that they can be beneficial if they inspire you to take action to prepare for your job search. Reframe your concerns into sources of the drive. Develop strategies for progress by redefining your concerns as opportunities for growth that you can overcome. For example, if one of your greatest worries is interviewing, ask a friend to practice with you or write out the points you would include in your responses to potential inquiries.
Practice Facing Your Fear
Being used to your routine might help you feel less stressed, but it can also make it harder to adjust to new things. Many worry about big and small things, like trying new foods or meeting new people, which only cause small amounts of pain. Changing jobs may seem bigger if you rarely do things you don’t like. Think about whether there are things you could do to make yourself more open to new things. When you send out your CV, you might feel more ready to look for a job.
List the Pros and Cons
If a change is good for you, weigh the advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, a new job could present you with opportunities for growth-oriented challenges. Additionally, you can get paid more or have a shorter commute. On the downside, you might have to put in more effort or longer hours. Before taking action, you should balance the list and make sure the advantages exceed the disadvantages.
The choice to change careers is ultimately a personal one that only you can decide. Consider your career aspirations and goals. It might be worthwhile to switch jobs if doing so will help you accomplish those objectives. If not, you might be better off remaining where you are.
Reflect on Your Choices
After weighing all the positives and downsides:
- Make your choice based on your gut feeling.
- If you’re still unwilling to change, consider reflecting on your choice and its reasons.
- If you’re sure about your choice, go for it!
To help you reflect on your decisions, think about what you would say to your future self. If you’re considering changing careers, think about the advice you would offer your future self if you were in your current position. Would you advise them to take the chance or stay put? You will probably appreciate your decisions in the future, but the most important thing is to make the one that is right for you right now.
Explore Options That Spark Your Interest
You can directly allay certain worries about your possible workplace through research. For example, suppose you’re worried about fitting in with new coworkers or getting used to a company’s culture. In that case, you can use corporate review sites and professional social networks to learn more about the people you’d be working with and how the office works. On these platforms, current and former employees often give their honest opinions. This lets people know what to expect and removes some of the fear of not knowing.
You must ensure that these opportunities spark your interest and give you the drive to work hard and find them. Think about the qualities you want in a job and look for one that has those qualities, as well as job security, fulfilling work, a good salary, and other important things.
Develop your skills
When people think about changing jobs, they often worry that they won’t be able to live up to expectations in their new job. Most jobs require learning new skills or information to be successful.
By carefully reviewing the responsibilities specified in job descriptions pertinent to your search, you may determine what talents you already possess, which ones you lack, and which ones you might be able to enhance to make yourself a better candidate.
Planning for a job move can help you feel like you have some control over the situation and lessen the problems that often come with starting a new job.
Consult a Career Coach
If you’re still undecided about whether to change jobs, it might be helpful to seek professional advice. This could be from a counselor, career coach, or another professional who can help you weigh the pros and cons of your decision. They can also help you develop a plan for making a successful transition into a new job.
Many professional services can help with the difficulties of changing careers. You might want to find out what is making you anxious because:
Career Counselling
Career counselors know what they are doing and can help you change jobs. They can answer your questions about different jobs and point you in the direction of resources that can help you improve your skills, the skills on your resume, and your chances of getting a job offer.
Informational Interviews
Casual interviews are unplanned talks with experts in a field or job you are interested in. They can help you understand your new job and provide the most up-to-date and relevant answers to your questions.
Benefits of Changing Careers
One of the most difficult decisions that anyone can make is whether to change careers. A career change can be extremely beneficial, but it can also be terrifying. If you are thinking about making a change, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
The following are some of the benefits of changing careers:
1. It Can Lead to More Money
A career change can greatly increase your income if you are unhappy with your current salary. Of course, this is not the only reason to switch – but it is a nice perk!
2. It Can Help You Find a Better Work/Life Balance
You might need a change if you feel like you are always working and never have time for yourself. Finding a good balance between work and life can be difficult, but it is possible. Switching to a less demanding career can allow you to focus on your personal life.
3. It Can Provide New Challenges
Sometimes, people get bored with their current jobs because they are not challenging enough. If this sounds like you, then a career change could be just what you need. Finding a more challenging job title can help you stay motivated and engaged in your work.
4. It Can Lead to Increased Job Satisfaction
If you are unhappy with your current career, a change might be exactly what you need. When you are satisfied with your work, it is easier to feel motivated and to do your best. Job satisfaction is important for both your personal and professional life.
5. It Can Help You Hone New Skills
Switching to a new career can help you learn new skills and improve upon the ones you already have. This can make you more marketable in the job market and can help you advance in your new field.
6. It Can Provide a Fresh Start
Sometimes, people need a fresh start – and a career change can provide that. If you are struggling in your current position or have had some trouble at work, starting over in a new field might be the best thing for you. A clean slate can allow you to prove yourself all over again.
When you change careers, it can open a whole new world of possibilities. You might be able to find a position that you love, or you might be able to start your own business. The sky is the limit!
7. It Can Help You Make New Friends
If you are unhappy with your current social life, you might just need a change. When you switch to a new career, you will have the opportunity to meet new people. These new connections can turn into lasting friendships.
8. It Can Improve Your Mental and Physical Health
When you are unhappy with your job, it can affect your mental and physical health. It might be time for a change if you are constantly stressed out or not getting enough exercise. A career switch can help you lead a healthier and happier life.
Embracing Change: Navigating Uncertainty with Courage
The fear of career change is a universal sentiment stemming from our inclination toward familiarity and routine. However, it’s important to recognize that change is the essence of growth and progress. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, we evolve through change, finding new opportunities and horizons.
Embracing change doesn’t mean leaving the past behind; rather, it enriches our lives with new experiences while preserving valuable lessons. It’s a chance to learn, adapt, and tap into our innate strength. By seeking guidance from our support network and realizing that humanity has thrived through countless changes, we can navigate the seas of uncertainty with a steady hand and an open heart, growing into the best versions of ourselves.
Conclusion
A career changer must overcome your fear of changing careers. By acting and making changes, you may increase your chances of success and evolve into the best version of yourself.
When considering a job change, everyone becomes nervous. After all, it’s a big career decision! However, don’t let your fear prevent you from taking advantage of new opportunities. Use the tips in this article to help you conquer your fear and develop your career.
If you’re feeling stuck in your profession and dread the prospect of making a career change, reach out to Dr. Mary from Restless Coaching. She can help you understand your fear and work towards conquering it so you may take the measures necessary to attain your ambitions. Get in touch with us today to set up an appointment!
