What do you do if you're a professional experiencing self-doubt and fear about changing careers?

Additionally, by actively seeking out new skills or knowledge during this transitional phase—for instance, enrolling in online courses or attending workshops—you not only bolster your qualifications but also demonstrate to potential employers your proactive approach to self-improvement.

The easiest decision for our brains is to make no decision - hence the temptation to maintain the status quo. Additionally, change is associated with uncertainty and our brains are wired to seek out certainty as a means of keeping us safe. Remembering these things is helpful as it helps normalise your fear response. Yet, evidence shows us that humans have a great ability to navigate change, adapting and growing as a consequence. And you can too. So, when you feel self-doubt about making a career change, tell yourself that you're simply being human. Remind yourself that you get to choose the next step - be victim to the fear and do nothing, or reframe it as a sign that you are stepping beyond your comfort zone and into the growth zone.

The first step to embracing your fear is the realization of two factors: 1, Fear is a symptom of a very severe state of mind called intelligence. 2, Your fear is a part of you and every part of you wants you to strive and develop to the best you can. If your fear is manifesting itself in a way that you perceive as blocking you then usually it is the result of all the instances when you have been blocking your fear instead of taking it on as a friend trying to help you. Learn to have a friendly dialogue with your "fear" and soon it will become your "security manager" or some other similarly helpful instance.

1. Embracing Fear for Growth: Fear is a natural part of career transitions, especially for senior executives. Acknowledging fear as a catalyst for growth rather than a hindrance empowers executives to navigate transitions with confidence and resilience. 2. Harnessing Fear Strategically: Executives can leverage fear by understanding its drivers and motivations. By delving into their fears and identifying root causes, executives inform strategic decision-making, transforming fear from a roadblock into a stepping stone for success. 3. Cultivating Supportive Environments: Surrounding oneself with mentors, peers, and allies who champion personal and professional development is crucial.

The absence of Fear during any change is a myth. Fear emerges even more during career transitions and bypassing it by pretending otherwise will not help. Acknowledging the Fear yet not allowing it to create a roadblock is the only way to transition. It is also very normal for Fear to fluctuate along the career transition journey.

Dig deep on why you are moving away from your current career. Ask yourself: How did I get here? What drew me in initially to this career?..jot down what you've loved, liked and loathed...then come back to list with fresh eyes as you contemplate possible new paths..

Something that has really helped my clients is to work through the reasons why you are considering a change, and why it feels so scary. Spend some time reflecting on your Values and strengths and ask yourself whether you are currently feeling challenged and engaged in your current role. You need to really question yourself, or have someone else do this for you (which can be better as they will push you to really think), so that you can explore your thoughts and make a plan for the future. Big changes can come from the clarity you get from this self-reflection.

Fear that emerges during career transition dissipates with engagement and progress. However, clarity is a pre-requisite before embarking on the transition journey along with some structuring, framing and strategizing. Starting with a good enough Clarity is what is needed as a foundation and it will keep on loading as the Executive in Transition advances in the journey.

Clarity may not come in the form of knowing exactly what you want to do. My clients have found it helpful to reflect instead on the circumstances in which they want to work. One way to find this out is to talk about their biggest professional successes: Did they work alone or in a team? How much responsibility did they have? What were the conditions that allowed them to be successful? What were the joy and fun factors of their work? Questions like these led to the criteria a new position would have to fulfill to give them the right framework for enjoying their work and being successful at the same time.

When experiencing self-doubt about changing careers, seek clarity by defining your values, interests, and long-term aspirations. Reflect on what truly motivates and excites you professionally. Research potential career paths to gain insight into the opportunities available. Engage in informational interviews or networking events to learn from others' experiences. Consider seeking guidance from career counselors or coaches to explore options and develop a clear action plan. By gaining clarity on your goals and preferences, you can make informed decisions and navigate career transitions with confidence.

Transitioning from managing factories to becoming a leadership coach and trainer was for me like leaping from a giant cruise ship into a stormy sea. The comfort and safety of my expertise were left behind, and the temptation to return was strong. What kept me going? A guiding light - a constant reminder of why I made this change: to fight for a cause I believed in and to bring more meaning into my life. Find your "why" and hold onto it tightly. The specifics of "what" you do matter less than serving your purpose. And feel ok swimming against the current. Those who question or criticize your change of direction might secretly dream of doing the same but simply lack the guts or the possibility to do so.

To counter balance the fear, you need to build your confidence and this can be tricky when you are questioning your abilities. Take time to look through your experience and draw up a list of your expertise, examples of great work, times when you felt like you really knew what you were doing, and enjoying it. Peak experience or career timeline tools are really useful here, and have a coach to support you with them can result in a sense of improved confidence and even excitement about what you can achieve.

Looking back at my educational as well as my professional career both never followed a straight line, meaning that I changed careers a lot - simply following my purpose & my passion. In the early days, this often restricted if not eliminited my chances to land a job - I was considered to be too generalistic, lacking specific experience & expertise. Today, the feedback I receive is completely the opposite: People often are amazed by the beautiful mosaique I created, with these different roles & experiences fitting together all so nicely. Which is why I encourage you to see the bigger picture of your CV & be proud of it. Plus: I'd love to share additional insights and/or offer my services as an executive #coach, whatever serves you most. Thx.

Acho útil, em momentos de transi??o, se apropriar dos seus pontos fortes. Pode ser através de feedbacks de colegas e ex colegas, auto reflex?o, ou mesmo de ferramentas de assessment. Sempre há pontos de aprendizado e desenvolvimento, mas o que nos diferencia e impulsiona é o que sabemos fazer bem.

Building confidence is crucial for executives facing career transitions. Reflecting on past successes and acquired skills reinforces self-belief, reminding executives of their value. Seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors provides an external perspective, highlighting strengths and abilities. Executives should recognize their expertise and potential for success in new endeavors. Confidence grows as executives acknowledge their capabilities and embrace the challenges ahead. By cultivating confidence, executives can overcome self-doubt and navigate transitions with assurance and resilience, paving the way for future success.

Quando planejando uma transi??o de carreira, n?o deixe de pensar na seguran?a financeira necessária para esta transi??o. Quanto mais radical a mudan?a, mais relevante será se preparar, de forma que você tenha tranquilidade para se dedicar à curva de aprendizado necessária sem auto sabotagem.

To progress with anything you need a plan and we often neglect ourselves and our careers in this space. Spend some time using the information you’ve gathered by reflecting, looking at your values and strengths etc., and build a way forward. Ask yourself: - Where do I want to be? - By when? - What will that look like? - How do I want to feel? Then work out small steps to get there. Try not to focus too much on the big stuff, more about what you can do now to make a start. Consider what support you need and how you can get it. And work out how you will know when you’ve got to the goal.

Creating and adhering to a plan can assist us in overcoming our fears because it provides a sense of control, and the act of crafting a plan enables us to redirect our focus towards a hopeful future and outlook. However, if our plan is overly complex, it might exacerbate cognitive dissonance, leaving us stagnant and unable to progress. I find the W.O.O.P (Wish, Objective, Obstacles, Plan) approach to setting intentions and planning next steps particularly effective. It's an enjoyable and creative method for approaching planning, and it's straightforward to implement. Avoid overplanning or overengineering; instead, utilize it to regain a sense of control over your self-doubt and fears with self-compassion.

To overcome self-doubt when considering a career change, create a detailed plan outlining your goals, steps, and timelines. Break down the process into manageable tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Research your desired field to gain clarity and confidence in your decision. Seek guidance from mentors or career coaches who can provide valuable insights and support. Stay adaptable and open-minded throughout the transition process, and remember that setbacks are normal but can be overcome with perseverance and determination.

A coach brings a unique blend of objectivity, expertise, and personalized attention that's hard to find elsewhere. They can provide tailored advice that aligns with your career aspirations, leadership style, and the specific challenges of the industry you're entering. This support extends beyond just tactical aspects like refining your resume or interview prep; they delve deeper into shaping your executive presence and leadership identity in a new context. Lastly, consider the broader ecosystem of your new industry. Engage with thought leaders, participate in relevant forums, and immerse yourself in the latest trends and challenges. Practicing this growth mindset positions you as a forward-thinking leader ready to contribute from day one.

The journey of Executive Career Transition is bumpy Having a coach holding a safe space for the Executive along with holding him accountable of the efforts and implemented strategy is instrumental. The coach is here to help the Executives curate their job search strategy, pick them up when they derailed and help them connect with their values and Life purpose every time landing the desired job seems far fetched.

In my practice as an executive coach, I advocate embodiment. When you can tap into your body wisdom, and I mean your whole body, including your mind, a leader can expand their range. Science shows that there are not only neurons in our brain, but also our heart and gut, and it is all connected. It is not without reason that we have all kinds of expressions that refer to body parts when we talk about emotions. Eg. a gut feeling, a broken heart etc etc.

Já apoiei como mentora profissionais em transi??o e carreira, e foi uma troca muito útil para aumentar sua autoconfian?a e ajudar no planejamento dos passos iniciais da transi??o: se conectar ao novo time, ouvir os novos stakeholders, refletir abre o propósito e as primeiras prioridades. Recomendo buscar um mentor a todos que estejam em um momento como este.

Executives can embrace growth and change by fostering a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for learning. Prioritizing continuous learning and skill development enables them to adapt to evolving circumstances. Seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors provides valuable insights for improvement. Encouraging innovation and experimentation within their organizations fosters agility and adaptability. Leading by example, executives demonstrate openness to change and inspire their teams to embrace new opportunities. Building resilience through maintaining a positive outlook helps executives navigate setbacks effectively.

Self-doubt is normal in the face of change. Whether you succeed or fail, you'll always grow when you challenge yourself to move outside your comfort zone. Instead of fixating on what can go wrong, embrace the growth you'll experience. Focus on the journey, the foundation you are building, and what you might learn about yourself.

Write down all the pros and cons of leaving your current career for a new career. Include changes to compensation, benefits, perks and potential location changes. Identify your expectations and assumptions for the new career, and share those with a mentor/business coach. It’s critical to set realistic and achievable goals while ensuring that you are not just running away from a difficult or lackluster period in your current career toward an idealistic escape plan. Define what results you need to realize on the other side of the change curve, and then set up metrics to get there. Hold yourself accountable for your own success, and with that confidence and passion you will succeed!

Always consider the impact of your work life on your private life! Would you move to a different city, country, continent? Would you change your field of work? How would your family respond to these changes? What if you have children? How would your friends respond? How could you cope with the initial loneliness of being a stranger?

Fail before you even start a career- go into the market with the assumption that your career will be made redundant, this way you will be planning your exit from day one. A year in, take on a career coach (again this is before any action is taken)and see how the skills you've gained so far will get you in another career. When your current company has a PD plan don't shy away from suggesting some of the skills you lacked from your coaching session. It never hurts to ask. Another note, some people fear the financial penalty that could come with a change, when you're talking to your financial advisor try and include a "change career" tab to your budget, it might make things tight as you start but live accordingly it can only benefit you.