Sponsored by: Lloyd Healthcare




If you are thinking about changing jobs or careers, chances are you have

encountered a number of fears and doubts which stand in your way of even

beginning the process. Many people will remain in jobs that they do not like,

or even hate, because of these fears. There are things you can do right now to

overcome these defeating thoughts and move yourself into a position of action

rather than inertia. Here are some suggestions:


Tip Number One: Challenge Your Beliefs

Our beliefs can be so powerful that we accept them to be the truth. Identify

what beliefs are holding you back. How many of these sound familiar to you?

“You are too old.” “You don’t have enough experience.” “You are not qualified

to do anything else.” “You can’t afford to change jobs.” Once you have

identified what beliefs are holding you back, you can now begin to really

challenge them. Play devil’s advocate and imagine all of the reasons each

belief is not true. Make a list for each belief. This list is something you

can review and revisit every time these fears and beliefs creep into your

head. You will begin to see that your beliefs are not always the truth.


Tip Number Two: Research and Learn

What is your passion? What are you interested in doing? Whatever it is, take a

small step toward learning more about it. Take a class, join a group, read a

book, volunteer for an organization . . . Whatever you decide to do, remember

you are not committing to anything. Don’t allow yourself to become too

preoccupied at the beginning with the question of how you could make this

happen as a career for you. You are merely researching and gathering

information. This research phase will allow you start moving in a forward

direction and give you a greater sense of control over your situation.



Tip Number Three: Take Control of your Current Career

Everyone, not just those who are unhappy with their current job, should have

some sort of plan for their professional future. If you are unhappy in your

job, but can’t bring yourself to tackle larger career change issues, try to

create a plan for your future in your current job. Think about how you can

make you current situation better. This accomplishes two important goals: it

helps make you happier in the short-term and it gives you a solid foundation

on which to plan long-term career goals and perhaps transition.



Tip Number Four: Shift Perspective

Many barriers will require you to shift your negative perspective to a more

productive and positive one. For instance, you may be worried that if you

change careers, the time spent in your current career will be “wasted.” I can

relate to this concern, because I practiced law for seven years before

becoming a career coach. Rather than looking at your investment in your

current career as a waste, you can shift your perspective to look at it as an

opportunity (for growth, for learning, for acquiring important skills). No

matter what you choose to do next, chances are you will use some of your

current experience in that career.

Your ideas about the career exploration process can also often be shifted –

looking at career exploration with excitement rather than trepidation. While

it can be time consuming, and sometimes difficult, it can also be quite fun

trying on different hats and imagining yourself in a more rewarding career.



Tip Number Five: Get Help and Support

It is important not to attempt a dramatic career change on your own. Seek out

help from trusted sources (friends, colleagues, family) who support your

decision to change. A personal or career coach can also help you identify what

is holding you back and help you overcome your mental blocks. The support of

others helps you feel empowered and can save you months of anxiety and time.

Career change exploration can be difficult and challenging. By using these

tips, you can help yourself ease into the process and not allow your fears to

control you.