My advice to someone considering a radical career shift but feeling anxious about starting over
Making a career shift can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. I remember when I first considered leaving my stable job in finance to pursue my passion for blogging couple of months ago. The thought of starting over was overwhelming. I had spent many years building my career and enjoying the security of a steady monthly salary. The idea of walking away from all of that to enter a completely new field filled me with a mix of excitement and fear. Questions like “What if I failed? What if people thought I was making a huge mistake? What if I ended up regretting my decision?” kept me up all night, as I weighed the comfort of the known against the unknown. But to tell you the truth, I was completely drained at my workplace. I felt something crucial was missing from my life and the feeling of being stuck and unhappy made me even more miserable. Every morning, I would cry at the thought of going to work. Spending 8 hours a day working for someone else made me question a lot of things about life.
One thought kept bothering at me was: "You spend 8 hours a day at a job you utterly despise. Why not try doing something for yourself, something that will benefit your future and which will bring you happiness and contentment?"
I think majority of us are in the same boat, there is something we deeply want to do but we are unsure, its like we want to start over but then fear, the risk of failure and the challenge of stepping out of their comfort zone creeps in. I know how you feel and I know the mixed feelings you have, its not an easy decision and you need to take a lot of things into consideration before taking the big step. But since I have been there, at that stage in the past, I can offer you my personal advice on how to go about.
Acknowledge Your Fears
It is totally normal to be afraid when considering a major job move. You may be concerned about your financial stability, people’s opinions or your capacity to flourish in your new career. Acknowledge your anxieties rather than pushing them aside. Keep in mind that being nervous is a normal part of the process and that others have had similar thoughts and feelings too. Identifying your fear is the first step towards overcoming them.
Think about “Why”
Before making a career change, take time to reflect on why you want to make this change. Are you seeking more fulfilling career, better work-life balance or pursuing a passion you’ve always had? The more you understand your motivations and inspirations the more clarity and strength you will be able to build. I would suggest to write down your choices (if you have more than one) and write down your reasons, then revisit them whenever doubts arise. Your “why” will serve as a guiding light throughout your journey. Another thing to take into consideration is if your new career is going to be a permanent change or a temporary one.
Research and Prepare
Conduct thorough research about the new field you’re interested in. Learn about the required skills, potential challenges and opportunities for growth, basically do a SWOT analysis of your new career. Connect with professionals already working in the industry to gain insights and advice. Preparation can help alleviate some of the fear of the unknown and give you a clearer picture of what to expect. It is also a good time to think if whether you have the right skills and capabilities to pursue your new career or if you need to take up a new course, then you will to take some things into considerations like your current financial situation. Depending where you are in life, you will need to assess whether you will have enough time to learn the new skills and then think of applying it somewhere which means you will need to find a job or start a side hustle.
Start Small
Making a career change doesn’t mean you have to dive in headfirst immediately. I would suggest you to start small, explore your new interest on the side. Take online courses, attend workshops or volunteer in the field. These small steps can build your confidence and help you acquire the necessary skills gradually. It’s like slowly dipping your toes in the water before taking the plunge.
Build a Support System
Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your potential and encourage your ambitions. Talk to friends, family or mentors about your plans and seek their advice. A strong support system can provide emotional reassurance and practical help. Additionally, connecting with others who have successfully made similar career changes can be incredibly inspiring and since they will have the first hand experience, they will be able to guide and advice you on how to go about on your new adventure.
Embrace the Learning Process
Starting over in a new career can feel daunting, especially if you’ve been established in your previous field for a long time. Embrace the learning process and be patient with yourself. Remember that everyone starts as a beginner at some point. Celebrate small victories and view mistakes as valuable learning experiences. Your willingness to learn and adapt will be your greatest asset.
Stay Positive and Persistent
Maintaining a positive attitude is very important when facing a major career change. There will be obstacles and setbacks, but remaining positive and persistent can make a big difference. Keep a journal on your journey, visualise your goals and keep track of your progress. Surround yourself with good influences and inspiring stories from people who have successfully changed careers.
Celebrate “You”
Finally, take a moment to appreciate your courage. Choosing a new career path is not easy, it demands considerable amount of guts and belief in oneself. Celebrate this decision and appreciate your strength required to pursue your passion. Regardless of the outcome, the journey itself shows your resilience and determination.
Remember, it’s never too late to pursue what truly makes you happy. Whatever the outcome, enjoy the journey, trust in your abilities and take that leap of faith toward a more fulfilling career.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
