Common Career-Transition Fears, and How to Conquer Them
Fear can be the ultimate dream killer.
And really, according to well-known author and professor Brené Brown, it’s the armor we put on to protect ourselves that holds us back. We protect ourselves from fear to the point where we can’t move forward.
Here are examples of coverups you may find yourself encountering (and not realize they’re fear-based):
Procrastination
Perfectionism
Lack of motivation
Ongoing research and learning
Excuses
Confusion
Focusing on helping others
You’re not alone.
We all suffer from protecting ourselves from fear and its impact. Moving forward, particularly regarding our careers, requires us to acknowledge what’s holding us back and why.
Here are some common fears below, and a free tip sheet on how to conquer them so they no longer hold you back!
Fear #1: You’re afraid of what people may think
You know you’d be judged for taking a lower-paying job or switching to a career that isn’t supported by the degree(s) you’re still paying on.
Or, you may be thinking those around you will criticize you for starting a business.
And who knows what they’d say if you quit your job all together to take a career break.
Yes, these are scary, my friend!
Fear #2: You’re afraid of the unknown
It’s easier remaining on a course with a somewhat predictable journey. Switching lanes requires getting off autopilot and moving from your comfort zone.
Maybe you like feeling in control, and switching careers will mean a complete lack of control because you don’t know exactly what to expect, and whether it’ll be worth it. You may wonder: Will it be worse than where I am now?
Even if you aren’t loving your career, you know what to expect.
You’re keenly aware of things like your supervisor’s frustrating quirks, your crazy schedule or your insane commute.
Your vision of experiencing a purposeful professional life may be murky, and that makes most of us afraid.
Fear #3: You’re afraid it won’t work out
The what-ifs will keep you stagnant if they become your focus.
What if it doesn’t work out?
What if I don’t follow through?
What if I hate the new career I choose?
Then, you’re likely to answer the what-ifs with negative internal responses. This can make the career leap quite daunting.
As humans, it’s natural to catastrophize situations that haven’t occurred. We tend to assume the worse and dwell on the many possible negative consequences.
Fear #4: You’re afraid of financial instability
This is real.
Getting behind on bills or sacrificing vacations is hard to fathom. Or, the idea of using savings is freaking scary.
The money can run out, and then what? Or what if an emergency comes up and the savings is gone. Or, there’s no savings to begin with and you end up accumulating debt to follow your dreams?
If you make good money and enjoy your lifestyle, pursuing a different career or business venture could mean a downgrade you’re unwilling to take right now.
That’s OK, but it’s good to realize this is what’s holding you back.
Fear #5: You’re afraid of failing
You could acquire that dream position or start that side hustle and bomb. Then you’d be exposed as the fraud that nagging voice inside your head keeps declaring as your true self.
The idea of failing could trigger unworthiness.
It could also bring to the forefront self-esteem or self-doubt issues embedded since childhood.
The most efficient strategy or airtight plan is useless when we allow our insecurities to hold us hostage and don’t move forward. But you know this already.
Those who choose to pursue professional purpose are willing to experience discomfort and vulnerability. They are open to work through what’s perceived as pain – like being judged, criticized or shamed, according to Brown.
Fear #6: You’re afraid of succeeding
Some women fear being “too successful.” This can be for several reason:
Being threatening to a partner.
Turning into someone different.
Becoming more visible to others.
Thinking others will assume they’re now “better than them” or assume they’ve changed once achieving a “better” lifestyle.
Making it to the top and having to maintain the position you worked so hard to achieve.
Fear #7: You’re afraid it’ll require sacrifice
Having time for your family or living a certain lifestyle is important to many of us. We don’t want to pursue a life that risks sacrificing what matters to us.
It’s possible this could be an excuse, or you may have a misconception of what’s required to get where you'd like to be professionally.
Which one of these fears resonate with you? It may be several of them like most people?
I wonder what would happen if you addressed your fears head-on? I bet you’d be able to more easily move toward your desired career or business venture linked to your purpose.
My clients often admit their biggest roadblock is themselves. You can’t plow through the roadblock until first acknowledging it exist. Then you’ve got to know how to address it.
I want you to get unstuck, to move toward your purposeful livelihood.
This tip sheet about conquering your fears is a way to get a jumpstart.
But, to be honest, most of us need help understanding what’s really going on. We also need a plan, accountability and consistent encouragement to move forward.
If you’re tired of being fearful and want to know how to deal with your personal situation, I offer a 45-minute breakthrough call.
This call or video session, whichever you prefer, is an opportunity to see if you’re ready to get unstuck and pursue the life that’s calling you.
If you know someone dealing with fear, share this with her or him. Or, if you want to be the first to receive business, career or life purpose advice, sign up for my weekly newsletter.