Why Changing Jobs Can Be So Difficult: The Hidden Challenges
Penny Hierons
AI Guidance in Plain English | Empowering Solopreneurs to Harness Technology Confidently
When it comes to career transitions, it’s easy to focus on the external logistics—updating your CV, preparing for interviews, or researching new opportunities. But beneath these surface-level tasks lie profound personal challenges that can make changing jobs feel daunting. These hidden barriers often stem from the deep interplay between our work and our sense of identity, status, finances, and relationships.
The cost of these barriers can be high if they cause you to spend years working in an area which you find unfulfilling and which causes you stress.
Self-doubt
When we think about making a career change, it is all too easy for self-doubt to creep in. We are hard-wired to remain safe, creating internal psychological barriers like imposter syndrome. You might end up wondering if you are truly capable of succeeding in a new field and past failures or criticism could create mental blocks that prevent you from really exploring all your potential careers. Recognising these barriers and finding ways to overcome them is a crucial step in any career change.
Work as a Pillar of Identity
For many of us, our job is more than just a way to earn a living. It has become a core part of who we are. Introducing yourself often starts with, “I’m a [job title],” signalling how closely we tie our identity to our work. Changing jobs, or simply contemplating this, can trigger questions like, “Who am I without this role?” or “Will my new position reflect my values and abilities?” This emotional weight can make taking the leap feel overwhelming.
The Question of Status
Status, both perceived and real, plays a powerful role in job transitions. Whether it’s the title on your email signature or the prestige associated with your company, these markers can shape how others view you, and more importantly, how you see yourself. A career pivot or moving to a less recognisable company might feel like stepping down, even if it’s a step toward greater satisfaction or growth.
Financial Security and Family Dynamics
The practicalities of finances can’t be ignored. For many, the thought of the uncertainty which often comes with a career shift, such as a temporary reduction in income or losing perks, can weigh heavily on decision-making. Beyond personal concerns, family responsibilities add another layer. Partners, children, or extended family often depend on our stability, making career changes not just an individual decision, but a collective one.
This can mean that everyone around you being risk-averse, wanting you to stay put for the good of the family even if you are feeling unfulfilled. Friends and family may also see you in a certain way and find it hard when you try to move away from the particular box they have put you in.
Friendships and Professional Networks
Our workplaces are social ecosystems. The connections we forge with colleagues often extend beyond the office, becoming a part of our support system. Leaving a job can mean more than a new role; it might also mean redefining or even losing some of these relationships. This sense of loss can make moving on feel like a risk, not just professionally but personally.
How to Navigate the Challenges
Understanding these dynamics is the first step toward managing them. Here are some practical tips to ease the transition:
Embracing the Journey
Career changes can be daunting, but they also open doors to growth and reinvention. By recognising and addressing the emotional and practical challenges, you can approach this transition with confidence and resilience. After all, it’s not just about finding a new job—it’s about shaping the next chapter of your story.
What’s your biggest challenge when considering a career change? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!