For many, leaving the comfort of your current employment situation can be a daunting feeling, one that you would rather avoid. This can cause you to be stagnant in your career far longer than you should, missing opportunities to progress your professional career and reach that height of your potential. But what if we told you that embracing change, even when it's scary, is the key to unlocking your true potential?
While it can be scary to take a leap of faith, resigning from the comfort of your current job and moving on to something else, even if that means taking on more responsibility in your current situation or jumping ship to a new organisation entirely is the key to leveling up.
If you've found yourself in a position where you think it might be time to move on to bigger and better things, but are feeling the fear and anxiety that comes with change, we've come up with some actionable steps you can take to get over your fear of changing jobs and get your career on the right track, so that you can unlock the best version of yourself and reach new heights in your career.
The dreaded job hunt. Just the thought of it can send shivers down the spine of the most seasoned professional. Whether it’s burnout setting in, dissatisfaction looming, or that nagging feeling of being stuck in a rut, the urge to find greener pastures can be undeniable. But taking the leap? That's where things get tricky. Change, even positive change, can be scary. What if the new job isn't all it's cracked up to be? What if you miss the familiar routines and faces of your current workplace? What if, well, what if...? These anxieties are normal. We're creatures of habit, but remember, staying stagnant hinders your growth and limits your potential. Embrace the inevitable, conquer your fears, and step into your next big career adventure!
In order to overcome your fear of the job hunt, you first need to identify and unpack the anxieties you’re associating with the job change. Fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of what lies ahead, or the unfamiliarity of potential workplaces can create a daunting experience. Imposter Syndrome can also be the cause for your fear of the job hunt, developing from the feeling that you’re not deserving of success, or you lack the qualifications to land a role. Looking for a new job can exacerbate these feelings, as the constant evaluation of your skills intensify the Imposter Syndromes grip. Maybe it’s leaving your comfort zone that’s holding you back? It’s easy to get comfortable with what’s familiar and predictable, and stepping away from this can create a sense of unease and anxiety, but you must challenge yourself in order to grow and adapt and embrace your potential. Whatever is holding you back, you must identify it in order to move past it.
Fear and excitement are closely intertwined in the brain and share a similar psychological reaction, perception is powerful and the way we perceive a situation can impact our emotions. Depending on the way you think about it, a roller coaster can be thrilling or terrifying. While fear has its purpose, excessive fear is not useful to anyone, and while some situations are never exciting, there are times when it’s better to feel excitement over fear, like starting a new job or getting an interview. Learning how to master you emotions and turn fear into excitement can make a world of change in your attitude and how you perceive a situation.
The sense of self-doubt in your accomplishments, the feeling of phoniness causing you to think you don’t deserve your job, or feeling like you’re tricking your co-workers into thinking you’re good at what you do is a common phenomenon in the workplace. Imposter Syndrome causes a lack of self-confidence, increases sensitivity of making small mistakes, and intensifies the fear of failing. In order to overcome this feeling, consider what are facts vs feelings. Take time to reflect , centre yourself around the facts, and identify actionable steps to let go of what you can’t control. When confronted with the fear of looking for a new job, rather than succumbing to narratives of potential rejection or inadequacy, anchor yourself in concrete details.
-Focus on the specific qualifications and achievements that align with job requirements during the application process.
-In interviews, concentrate on factual examples from past experiences that showcase your skills.
-When negotiating, consider industry standards and your value to shift the focus from anxious stories to the actual contributions you bring to the table.
To bolster self-belief and counter the fear of seeking a new job, adopt proactive strategies aimed at building confidence. Take practical steps too, like honing interview skills through regular practice, connect with professionals in your field to expand your network and celebrate small wins along the way. Actively practicing interviews not only sharpens your communication and presentation abilities but also reinforces your qualifications in your own mind.
Networking provides opportunities to learn from others experiences and gain insights that flip your uncertainties into strengths, making it easier to talk to new people, and cutting down the time and effort needed when looking for new opportunities. Whether you’re at the start of your career journey or looking to explore a new path, it’s ok to feel hesitant or nervous, but the more networking you do the more confident you will feel.
Success begins with goals, and to set goals you need to have a vision of where you want to be in the future, if you can’t conceive it, you won’t achieve it. When you have the future you want locked in your mind, you set the stage to turn it into a reality. To be successful in your career you need to have a vision of where you want to end up in the future, a crystal-clear picture of what you want to achieve. Visualise your ideal outcome in detail, think of all the specific struggles you’ll face and things you’ll need to accomplish in order to get where you want to go. The more vivid and precise your mental picture is, the clearer your vision will be and the stronger your determination will be to get there. This determination will help you get over you fear and anxiety of leaving your comfort zone and getting a new job, making you behave as the professional you envision yourself becoming.
At any given time in our life, we’re going to have moments where we falter in our stride or fail to accomplish what we set out to do. Job interviews are no exception, and can often be steeped in opinions and ‘vibes’, and some times you’ll walk out of the interview feeling like you aced it, only to find out you were unsuccessful. This is natural and part of the human experience. Winston Churchill once said ‘success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ Which is something that holds true to the jobhunting process. Perseverance, personal growth and awareness, and the ability to adapt and back yourself will always win out. When you’re going through this process you have to be willing to accept failure, and to grow and develop from it. Keep trying, keep learning and you’ll come out on top in the end.
Remember, a new journey starts with the first step, and the fear of the unknown doesn’t have to hold you back from taking that first step and reaching new heights. Change can be scary but it’s also inevitable, and often the best outcomes lie beyond our comfort zones. This job hunt might lead you to the role that is perfect for you or give you a better understanding of your strengths and aspirations. So, trust your abilities and embrace the possible future that awaits you. The next chapter of your career could be filled with growth, fulfilment, and exciting new experiences.
Thanks for your interest in what we do here at FIND. We love meeting and helping amazing kiwis every day and will always do our best for our clients and candidates. We've been simplifying the recruitment game since 2008, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you need our help!
