It is often easier to stay in our current role than to make a change. Until it isn’t.
When the idea of doing the same job, or a more senior version of it, for the rest of your life fills you with "dread" – a word my clients use often – or you just can’t motivate yourself enough to get through a normal work day, why do we still find it hard to take a first step towards real change?
We may feel stuck because we believe we are lacking:
Time. We tell ourselves we haven't got time. Career change does take time, but it doesn’t need to happen from one day to the next. Most of us can carve out 30 minutes a day, or even just an hour a week, to focus our attention on paving the way to a career we would love to have. It can start with meeting a coach over coffee, doing online research or volunteering in a relevant organisation, etc.
- Financial support. We tell ourselves we can't afford it. Of course this is a huge consideration that should be managed responsibly, but what is the personal cost to you of staying the same? Career change may or may not include a temporary pay cut, but how will staying in a career you are not happy with impact your health, your relationships and your wellbeing? Exploring ways to supplement your income during a career change may provide a solution that is right for you and your current financial situation. There may be more options available to you than you initially thought
- Energy. We tell ourselves we're too tired to change. However, living a life that is not authentic to you is exhausting.* When you start incorporating more of your interests into your life, it will help you to feel more energised and motivated to move forward with new career plans
- Direction. We tell ourselves we don't know which way to go. If you don’t know what you’d like to do or where to start, read my previous blog entry How do I know what the right career choice for me is?
There are many reasons to justify staying in a job that we’ve outgrown or in an industry that doesn’t match our interests, but as human beings we fear the unknown and that is natural.
Taking small, mindful steps that move you outside your comfort zone, but not so far that you feel unable to take action, help get you unstuck. You can always make a big leap when you’re ready!
If you want to change your career, can you think of one small step you can take right now?
*Make sure you check with your medical doctor/GP to rule out any medical reasons for tiredness first!
Photo by Zack Minor on Unsplash