Taking career risks can be scary, but it's often the key to growth and success. I always remind my mentees that staying in their comfort zone may feel safe, but it limits opportunities. Start by helping them understand their strengths and how these can be applied in new challenges. Encourage small, calculated risks to build confidence, like exploring a new role or skill. Share stories of people who grew through risk-taking, including your own if possible. With the right mindset and support, fears can turn into stepping stones toward achieving high-paying roles and long-term career success. Growth begins when fear is faced!

Taking risks is scary but that shouldn't stop you from moving forwards. It's important to remember that growth often lies just outside your comfort zone. Think about what excites you about the opportunity as focusing on potential gains can ease your fear. Also, start small by identifying manageable risks that align with your goals as each step builds confidence. Then, surround yourself with people who’ve taken bold steps and succeeded. Let their stories inspire and guide you. Growth happens when you trust your abilities and take the leap, even if it’s a small one.

Fear of career risks is common, but it’s also where growth happens. Another strategy to guide clients is reframing risk as opportunity—help them see what they stand to gain rather than just what they might lose. Encourage visualizing success by mapping out potential positive outcomes and the steps to achieve them. Lastly, remind them that failure isn’t the end, but a step towards learning and refining their path. Taking risks, even small ones, is a muscle that strengthens with practice.

Helping my clients to overcome fear starts with acknowledging the fear and the and reasons behind it. Accepting the fear for what it is and then exploring what might be the small steps they can take to overcome that fear to move towards their goals. Seeking a mentor, or connecting with a group of people who are also seeking career change can help to validate you are not alone and by talking through things with others can help you put a new perspective over things.

The first thing to remember is there is no way to avoid risk in your career. The world is not stagnant - technology is changing almost every job. Don't assume your role won't change or even be eliminated. Next step is to determine what your desired outcomes are - income, lifestyle, wealth, equity. Start with your goals and work backward to possibilities. Get help - find a coach or mentor who can help you navigate the possibilities from a safe space. The more you learn the less risky it becomes. The most important step is to decide to do something before you have to.