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Reasons why you are afraid to DIY your Career Transition
Does the idea of changing your career leave you spooked? If thinking about your career change makes you go pale as a ghost then it is time to look at how fear plays a role in your career transition. Career transition is hard and destabilizing especially if you are relocating. It is also always a challenge because one gets attached to people and places therefore taking a toll on many people. Yet without career change, there cannot be growth.
The external consequence of career transition
The reason why many people clam up about wanting a career change is, they are afraid of starting afresh, fear of being judged by friends and family, and fear of making a mistake. Fear tries to keep us safe if we are making a risky decision, so it is not a bad thing hence do not write it off entirely. The scariest thing about career transition is not about trying something new that may not work out as we envisioned but what happens if we are successful. Successful change and growth require one to become inevitably someone different (Miller,2018).
Usually, the difference is that you have become more dependent, knowledgeable, capable, and resourceful. This version of yourself comes with consequences so you have a right to be afraid. Your family members may be surprised by your new version that is taking charge of your happiness. Additionally, your friends who used to talk to you about their frustrating jobs may struggle to know how to talk to the new optimistic you.
Common fears of career transition
1.Failure
It is a daunting thought to imagine moving into a new career only to find out you cannot handle it. Perhaps you are worried that you will not be able to grasp the new skills fast and will not have the ability to succeed in your new role. But failing is the only way to learn, and most successful people experienced failures that catapulted them on the path of success (Marr,2017).
2. Fear of rejection
We, humans, are social creatures, so our deepest fear is being rejected by our peers. It is scary that your family and friends might not support your decision and they will disapprove of your change. The fear of being told ‘no, that is not right’ often holds us back from even making a request. That is a tough reality to face. As a result, this keeps us from career transitioning at all.
3. Lack of money to make the career transition
Some career transitions can be expensive, for example leaving a big corporate to start your own business will require you to have the financial stability to help you make that change. Similarly, moving to another country or state can be costly. Attending events, seeking help from professional human resource consultancy firms, and changing your wardrobes are expenses you will incur in your career change. But you should not let that fear stop you from transitioning. You can start by aggressively saving, make a budget, and set a monthly savings target.
4.Not knowing the right people to assist you
When we start thinking of career transition, we start thinking of people who can help us get an interview whether it is a recruiter you have met during your job search or a mentor who can coach and train you to get that job you are eyeing for. Networking is an important skill during a career change. Being connected with the right people who can help you, can make a huge difference in your job search. So, make a list of professionals that will be relevant during your transition and reach out to them for more information and assistance.
5.Fear of loss of freedom
When it comes to your career you may be afraid of bagging a promotion due to a lack of freedom. New promotion comes with change such as different working conditions, different benefits, more stress, and more pressure. It is human nature to focus on the negatives rather than the positives and be stuck in our comfort zone.
6.Fear of something bad happening
What is the worst that could happen if you change your career? If you suffer from this then you have to think positively of the outcome. You might be afraid that your current boss might find out that you are job hunting and blacklist you or fire you. Imagination is a tricky thing, but that is all these stories are. If you avoid advancements because of catastrophic events, then you are also avoiding the potential of good things happening.
7.Fear of disappointment
Another common fear is being disappointed and regret making the wrong choice. Perhaps you are afraid of taking a leap and realizing it is worse than the previous career that you disliked. Nothing is disappointing than realizing you settled for something less than you had expected. This worry is usually the reason we avoid the unknown, however not taking an opportunity usually results in a lot of regrets.
8. Fear of not being perfect
If you are a perfectionist, then you will suffer from this fear. You may end up spending your entire time modifying your resume instead of applying for jobs. Also, you might find yourself resisting to apply for jobs that do not match your expectations in terms of skills, or experience. These are excuses holding you back from progressing forward (Marr,2017).
How to overcome your career change fears
There are ways to overcome these drawbacks and make you more confident during your career transition. Here are some steps to help you overcome your fears.
1.Acknowldege that fear is normal
Fearing change is a normal part of human behaviour. It is natural to feel anxious and stressed out about the uncertainty of leaving your comfort zone. Although your fears are valid and reasonable they can likely be overcome by planning around them. The primary step is to accept your fears.
2.Explore the fear
Take time to reflect on each fear that you may have around career transitioning. Understanding why you are afraid will make it easier for you to address those fears. Doing a risk analysis, figuring out worst-case scenarios and problems you may face along the way may help you explore your fears.
3.Build your self-awareness
The more you know about yourself, what you want, what drives the more you will be encouraged and motivated to pursue your goal by career shifting. Self-awareness is crucial for a successful career transition, building your self-awareness will help you get a clear vision of what resonates with you and you will be more confident to take risks and pursue your passion.
4.Do some research
It is worth spending some time researching the career path you want to take. Investigate the industry you seek to join. Connect with people who are from that industry and seek answers about their challenges, their day to day work experience, and their rewards. Finally, take a look at reviews from people who have worked for the same industry. Knowing more about your desired path will help you ease any doubts and uncertainty and avoid disappointments.
5.Seek help from a professional career consultant
Lastly, seeking help from a professional will help you ease your anxiety. Experienced consultants will guide you through your career journey and help you select your desired career path without any regrets.
Bottom line
Do not be afraid of change, you may lose something good, but you will be surprised to get something even better. We are constantly underestimating our resilience and not knowing how capable we are to take charge of our happiness. Take the driver’s seat and be responsible for your success. Besides, the people who love their work are the ones who felt the fear but acted anyway.
