If you are thinking about changing jobs or careers, chances are you have encountered a number of fears and doubts which stand in your way of even beginning the process. Many people will remain in jobs that they do not like, or even hate, because of these fears. There are things you can do right now to overcome these defeating thoughts and move yourself into a position of action rather than inertia. Here are some suggestions:
Tip Number One: Challenge Your Beliefs
Our beliefs can be so powerful that we accept them to be the truth. Identify what beliefs are holding you back. How many of these sound familiar to you? “You are too old.” “You don’t have enough experience.” “You are not qualified to do anything else.” “You can’t afford to change jobs.” Once you have identified what beliefs are holding you back, you can now begin to really challenge them. Play devil’s advocate and imagine all of the reasons each belief is not true. Make a list for each belief. This list is something you can review and revisit every time these fears and beliefs creep into your head. You will begin to see that your beliefs are not always the truth.
Tip Number Two: Research and Learn
What is your passion? What are you interested in doing? Whatever it is, take a small step toward learning more about it. Take a class, join a group, read a book, volunteer for an organization . . . Whatever you decide to do, remember you are not committing to anything. Don’t allow yourself to become too preoccupied at the beginning with the question of how you could make this happen as a career for you. You are merely researching and gathering information. This research phase will allow you start moving in a forward direction and give you a greater sense of control over your situation.
Tip Number Three: Take Control of your Current Career
Everyone, not just those who are unhappy with their current job, should have some sort of plan for their professional future. If you are unhappy in your job, but can’t bring yourself to tackle larger career change issues, try to create a plan for your future in your current job. Think about how you can make you current situation better. This accomplishes two important goals: it helps make you happier in the short-term and it gives you a solid foundation on which to plan long-term career goals and perhaps transition.
Tip Number Four: Shift Perspective
Many barriers will require you to shift your negative perspective to a more productive and positive one. For instance, you may be worried that if you change careers, the time spent in your current career will be “wasted.” I can relate to this concern, because I practiced law for seven years before becoming a career coach. Rather than looking at your investment in your current career as a waste, you can shift your perspective to look at it as an opportunity (for growth, for learning, for acquiring important skills). No matter what you choose to do next, chances are you will use some of your current experience in that career.
Your ideas about the career exploration process can also often be shifted – looking at career exploration with excitement rather than trepidation. While it can be time consuming, and sometimes difficult, it can also be quite fun trying on different hats and imagining yourself in a more rewarding career.
Tip Number Five: Get Help and Support
It is important not to attempt a dramatic career change on your own. Seek out help from trusted sources (friends, colleagues, family) who support your decision to change. A personal or career coach can also help you identify what is holding you back and help you overcome your mental blocks. The support of others helps you feel empowered and can save you months of anxiety and time.
Career change exploration can be difficult and challenging. By using these tips, you can help yourself ease into the process and not allow your fears to control you.
