How to overcome fear of career change

There are lots of reasons why people are scared of career change. Some are valid, some less so. For example, people can even feel scared when they can see it might all work out for the best and give them what they want. Maybe they are finding comfort in fear, living in the state of “Well, if I don’t try, I can’t fail.”

As humans, we like routine. Even small changes to our routine can sometimes bring us out in a cold sweat, from a change in car parking space to a change in our lunch spot at work. So, it’s no surprise that the thought of a career change leaves people feeling completely overwhelmed and resigned to inaction, and this can go on for years.

Career change takes effort, upheaval, work, focus and dedication, but it’s all for a very worthy cause: you, your happiness, fulfilment and those around you. So, here’s how you can start feeling more empowered and decisive to do something about your career change feelings.

The first step, like any change programme, is to face up to the problem. Even if that means just admitting it to yourself, “I want and need a career change.”

Once you’ve done that, you may wish to share the sentiment with those closest to you and whom you trust. This will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders and will give you the necessary accountability to take the next step.

Small steps, tiny weeny baby steps if you must, but steps must be taken regularly and consistently in order for you to take this career change fear and quieten it down.

Once you’ve done that, start getting creative. At the moment, you may have absolutely no ideas of what you want to do with a future career or start-up business. For now, just get any ideas out of your head and onto paper.

How? Start to think about a long-term, 12-month plan. Create a mind map or picture of how you would like your life to look. For this, suspend disbelief and go big with your ideas and thoughts.

We often overestimate what we can achieve in three years, but underestimate what we can achieve in one year. Ask yourself some important questions: “Why do you want a career change?” “What’s currently getting in the way?” “What could you need to do to gain clarity?”

Once you’ve completed these small steps, what do you need to do next to keep giving your decision momentum?