What do you do if you're afraid and uncertain about changing careers?

Assessing reality means looking at things as they really are. To do this, start by thinking about your skills and what you enjoy doing. Then, see if those skills match with the jobs you're interested in. Take a look at job listings and talk to people who work in those fields to understand what the work is really like. Also, consider your financial situation. Changing careers might mean taking a pay cut or investing in education or training. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford. By facing the facts and understanding what's involved, you can make a clearer decision about whether changing careers is the right move for you.

Consider seeking advice from mentors, researching new fields, starting small with courses or side projects, and evaluating your skills and interests.

Having changed career fields several times, I can relate to this question. Each time I have considered a change, I started by asking myself why I wanted the change. What has brought forth the urge to change careers? If it was something that could be quelled or addressed within the current company/industry, I did what was necessary to fix whatever issue I had. If it was something external to the company/career, I would explore the driving factor(s) and determine the best course of action. While it is nice to have the comfort or stability that comes with tenure, I am also a person that thrives with new challenges. Additionally, the various career shifts have helped me discover my true passion and where I want to be, in the workforce.

If you're afraid and uncertain about changing careers, it's natural to feel that way. Start by researching the new career thoroughly to understand its demands, opportunities, and potential challenges. Consider reaching out to professionals already working in that field for insights and advice. Additionally, you could explore taking small steps, such as volunteering or taking courses related to the new career, to gain experience and confidence. Finally, remember that career changes can be gradual, and it's okay to seek support from mentors, career counselors, or support groups to navigate the transition.

Grass is Greener type of approach can be attractive and seem like an easy way out when you are dissatisfied with your career. Before making any decisions and taking action, you need to understand what is driving you away from your current career (motivation away), and what other options seem attractive (motivation towards). Motivation away is never a good one, and I would suggest you get clear on what you are running away from, is it your career as a whole, is it just the particular role you are in, perhaps the company, team members or your boss. There may be a multitude of reasons. Clarity will give you freedom to chose appropriate action.

Feeling fearful and apprehension about the change in career is quiet natural. Many people experience these emotions when contemplating a significant shift in their professional path. Fear is not bad and neither your enemy. It becomes your blocker when you let it get better of you. Acknowledge that fear is a natural response to change. Instead of letting it paralyze you, consider reframing it as a motivator. Use it to propel yourself forward. Break down your fears into manageable steps and create strategies to overcome them. For instance, if you fear interviews, practice with a friend or write out your answers to possible questions

If you have the opportunity to align your career path with your passions, seize it without hesitation! In today's world, many individuals find themselves in roles they hadn't initially envisioned, yet gradually thrive in them over time. While it's common for people to take on jobs out of necessity and maintain them due to various obligations, I fervently advocate for pursuing one's true calling. Finding fulfillment in one's work and pursuing endeavors that bring joy and satisfaction can significantly enhance overall well-being and productivity. I encourage individuals to actively seek out opportunities that resonate with their interests and values, as doing what truly makes you happy is invaluable.

Aside to exploring your interests, passions and type of activities that give you an energy boost, I would also recommend defining your professional North Star (something I offer as a free 45 min session to my clients). Knowing where you are headed will allow you to take meaningful action, take thoughtful decisions and gain actual traction towards your goals.

Everyone is afraid of change, and it is normal. Changing careers is a big step that brings a lot of uncertainty. Creating a strategy for a career change will help you eliminate some of those fears and think about different possibilities and what you could do when things don't go exactly as you planned. Sometimes you know what that change would look like, and, sometimes, you might not - you just know that you want to change, but don't know exactly what you want to do. And that's ok as well. Create a plan that allows you flexibility to explore your options and then have your plan A, plan B, plan C and a plan D. This will allow you to explore but also give you a reassurance that there are other options available if the first doesn't work out.

Once you have identified your professional North Star, you should focus on timelines, and setting realistic goals and milestones. Rather than just going for a career change straight away, you may consider intermediate moves and changes that will allow you to grow your skill-set and gain new experience that will in turn open up the possibility of a new career.

Embarking on a career transition doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Enlisting support from friends, family, or a career coach can offer both moral support and valuable guidance. A career coach, especially, brings an impartial viewpoint and expertise to help navigate the intricacies of changing paths. Career coaches serve as motivators and accountability partners, helping clients stay focused and committed to their career goals. They offer encouragement and support throughout the entire process, celebrating successes and providing guidance during setbacks.

Having professional support on your side giving you guidance and courage is very helpful (as a career coach I see that every day). Who's on your side matters! Just in general: there are always those people seeing the problems and those seeing the opportunity. Gather more of the latter around you! Have people surrounding you that push you, encourage you and help you see the chances of this change ahead. Because let me tell you: for every door closing, there are always more doors (or sometimes windows) opening - if you keep walking and follow your dreams and intuition. So keep going!

There's no short cut to growth by bypassing learning. Growth comes from relentless pursuit of learning new thing about yourself and about the topics of your interest in the area you would like build a career. Research various industries and professions related to your desired career. Understand the current job market and how your chosen path may be affected. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions. Reflect on the skills you’ve acquired in your current career. Consider how they can be applied to your desired path. Recognize that your existing expertise can be valuable in your new venture Consider taking some certifications. Though they wouldn't guarantee success in new career. they help build credibility for you

Consistently updating my knowledge and embracing opportunities for learning has been a fundamental practice throughout my career. Whether it's gaining insights from my Analytics Manager on HR statistics or enrolling in courses to augment my skills for the benefit of the organization, I am always eager to expand my expertise. As a firm believer in the value of continuous learning, I understand the importance of seizing every chance to broaden my understanding and contribute meaningfully to my role. As one of my professors wisely conveyed, "Experience and common sense are indispensable assets that I hold dear and strive to apply diligently.'"

Just go talk to people who work in different roles in different industries. Many people will be happy to share what they know and demystify or address fears. From a change perspective, what you are doing is getting to try out these potential futures in your mind as you have these conversations. Like trying an outfit on and then putting it back in a shop. LinkedIn is a great source of people who may know people to chat. It’s also worth being honest with one self and asking how long have you thought or talked about doing something different, but done nothing. So do something real, however small.

Instead of getting caught in a thought loop of asking yourself, "What should I do?" shift your approach and ask yourself, "How do I?" Can you feel the difference? Reframe your questioning. Instead of "Why is this happening?" ask yourself, "How do I want to respond?" Instead of "How am I ever going to get a job?" ask yourself, "What is one small step forward I can take right now?" When you ask yourself better questions, you find more impactful answers.