Afraid to leave your job? How to overcome the fear of change

Is it bad, or have things simply changed so that you no longer have the same values as you once did? Have you got a new manager with whom you have very different ideas? You may know that this is no longer the right place for you, but the fear of not getting another job, or one that might be worse than this one, can hold you back.

The fear of change

The thing is, we have to accept uncertainty in all aspects of our lives. More often than not, we get through it, learn from it and sometimes even thrive because things turn out better than we expected. A new job might too.

The likelihood is that you have changed, your needs have changed, and the restructuring no longer provides what you need to feel fulfilled or purposeful, or it is no longer flexible enough for the lifestyle you have today, whether that's family commitments, travel or achieving a better work-life balance.

Take some time to review what you wanted when you started and what made the role enjoyable at its best. Then consider what you need and want today. Starting with these questions will help you identify the qualities and opportunities to look for in future roles, organisations and industries that better align with your values and goals.

Restructures are designed to support a company's changing goals and objectives, not necessarily yours. You shouldn't feel guilty if your priorities no longer align with the organisation's direction.

The world changes, and so do we. Businesses evolve, workplace cultures shift, and new ways of working emerge, from flexible and hybrid working to advances in technology and AI.

When you started, the role suited your values, skills, talents and natural strengths. Over time, you may have changed, and perhaps the business has too. Your role may now simply provide an income rather than fulfilment. Perhaps you've discovered a new interest, skill or ambition that excites you more and want to find somewhere you can continue developing it.

Like relationships, careers need the right timing, environment and fit. A role may still have many qualities you value, but if one or two key elements no longer work for you, it may no longer be the right place to grow.

People change. Teams evolve. Businesses adapt. Change is one of the few certainties in life.

While change isn't always easy, it can open the door to new opportunities, fresh experiences and personal growth.

Job roles, responsibilities, organisations, products and services will continue to evolve as people's needs and expectations change. Exploring new opportunities and embracing change can become an exciting part of your career journey.

Embracing the discomfort

Do something different every day, and the fear of change gradually becomes less intimidating.

Stay with the discomfort until it begins to ease. While stepping outside your comfort zone can feel challenging at first, the more we experience new situations, the more manageable they often become. Over time, this can help build confidence and reduce the fear of change.

It is uncomfortable and seemingly unnecessary, but you can learn to accept some discomfort, especially when you know there may be a new opportunity on the other side. That choice is yours. The levels of discomfort and stress are yours to manage over time, and you will adapt and find ways to reduce them.

This might mean applying for a new job after 20 years, or after just two or three. It might even be after only six months if you realise the position isn't what you hoped it would be.

You have the power to make those changes, decisions and explorations. You have the power to accept some level of discomfort and, with practice, gradually reduce your stress response until it feels manageable, allowing you to continue growing.

Like the stress of travelling to an interview when the bus is late, you still arrive and, while a little flustered, you do it anyway. Perhaps you could have done better, but it's unlikely that the unforeseen delay affected the outcome if you didn't let it. You managed to push through the discomfort for the duration of the interview. You did it. You coped. Despite your reservations, you may even have been offered the job and, if not, it's simply the beginning of the next opportunity.

Any change is uncomfortable, but learning to become more comfortable with uncertainty can help you navigate the inevitable changes that arise throughout your career and life.

Making the decision to leave a job or change careers, particularly when financial security is a concern, can feel daunting. Working with a coach can provide the support and perspective you need to make the decision that's right for you. A coach won't give you the answers, but they can help you uncover what's holding you back, clarify what you want to achieve and support you in creating a path forward.