Money or self-fulfillment? - Anxiety about starting a new career
Your job is okay, but doesn't it satisfy you? You know there's more you can do, but you're afraid to start a new career? Every time you're about to take your next bold step, you have doubts and back out. You ask yourself, "Why are others so brave and I'm not?" I used to ask myself that a lot, too. Over time, I've realized: We all feel insecure when we want to dare something new or change! We can't assess beforehand if we know and can do enough to be able to handle the new challenges that await us.
Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome your own overwhelm and take the next bold step despite your fear! Changing careers is never easy, and it can feel downright impossible when financial obligations get in the way. Let´s get started!
In this blog, I share with you ....
where does your anxiety about starting a new career come from
3 tips to help you face your anxiety
3 practical tips to demystify the question: Money or self-fulfillment
Anxiety about starting a new career
The good thing about fear is that it is not only a paralyzing emotion but also a mobilizing one. Thus, people who are fearful of impending danger are sometimes capable of feats that would not have been possible for them under normal circumstances. Don't let those fears get you down! It's worth sticking with it and pushing through the fear.
It's normal to be afraid of change. It doesn't matter if it's at work or in our private lives. As humans, we want to avoid pain and suffering. Our brain is evolutionarily programmed to perceive threats and react to them quickly. This instinct was crucial to the survival of our ancestors in a hostile environment, where quick reactions to danger often meant the difference between life and death. Accordingly, fear keeps us from taking irresponsible risks.
Today, the nature of the threat has changed. However, our instinctive drivers and reactions have remained. That's why we strive for a certain level of prosperity, security and stability. Belonging to a community, such as our family, a circle of friends, a team or a company, gives us security. We want to be recognized by others and to belong.
So when we want to go our own professional way, it stirs up very basic fears in us. You may ask yourself, "But what if the new job is even worse than the current job? What if I can't make enough money at it?" At the same time, there is a risk that we will not be accepted by our colleagues and superiors in the new job, i.e. we are afraid of potential rejection and therefore do not dare to change in the first place.
3 tips to help you face your anxiety
"Fear makes you stupid" - this mantra is my motivation to keep reassuring myself when my body is on alert due to excessive stress or anxiety.
Anxiety blocks you and prevents you from approaching the task with a clear head and succeeding. With a few simple tricks, you can try to get out of anxiety as quickly as possible and utilize your full energy. These 3 tips will help you overcome your fear.
Face your fear and take your next bold step: Value fear as a positive thing. It shows you what's important to you and releases extra energy. The path does not lead past fear, but through fear. Confront your fear in small steps. Fears are diffuse. Gain clarity about your fears, write them down, then you can deal with them - one fear at a time.
What your comfort zone has to do with you being overwhelmed. Our comfort zone isn't always comfortable, but it is safe. Safety is essential for survival. That's why we resign ourselves to dissatisfaction instead of making a change. However, if you're looking to make a positive change like a job change, it will take you out of your comfort zone. Pretty sure self-doubt and anxiety will surface, your head will be full of questions, and you won't know where your head is at times. This is normal. If you want to do big things, achieve significant goals, and move and inspire people, you're going to have to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears. Why it pays to leave your comfort zone? You may feel safe in your comfort zone, but staying there means stagnation. When you leave your comfort zone, you confront your fears and doubts. You will be insecure in the first moment and find lots of excuses why you should not go further. However, it's worth sticking with it and pushing through the fear. Behind the fear is your learning space. That's where you develop and learn new skills and strategies to deal with challenges and expand your comfort zone. From there, you enter the growth zone. Here you think and act differently and start to grow and live your dreams. you feel more meaning in your life and set out from there to new adventures.
3 practical tips to demystify the question: Money or self-fulfillment
Changing careers is never easy, and it can feel downright impossible when financial obligations get in the way.
In my coaching sessions security and money is often a topic when it comes to change at work. The fear of change regarding salary, in the existing situation you are secure and know that you are currently earning well AND: then I there is dissatisfaction, but you don't want to do the job anymore - the areas that are interesting are far less paid, it is uncertain how you can end up there. The possible negative jump in salary is often the biggest fear which keeps many from quitting and reorienting.
Create clarity. I would like to go into this point in more depth. The fact is that financial interests are valid interests and so that this topic does not hang like a Damocles sword over the next steps, it is important to create clarity here. Clarity about the standard of living and the security of supply. It is helpful to be very concrete here and to calculate so that this topic becomes tangible and measurable. And then it is easier to plan the next steps. So after you've gained clarity on the financial framework, I suggest the following practical steps:
Examine your vision. Do you really want what you think you want? Do your research and talk to people in the industry to ensure the career you're dreaming of lives up to your fantasy. Talk to the people closest to you. Have an open, transparent conversation with your partner, family or others who will be affected by your potential loss of income. By having this conversation proactively, you can avoid drama and plan your finances responsibly.
Take it one step at a time. You don't necessarily have to make a big leap; small steps can help you begin the transition. Use the free time you already have to further your education, make contacts and experiment in the new industry that interests you. Explore whether you can adjust your work area or transfer internally. Talk to your supervisor or HR about other opportunities within your company. That way, you're more likely to keep your salary and tenure, even if you move into a role where you don't have experience.
Want to know more about this topic?
Yes, a career change can definitely be scary. But it's important to keep reminding yourself that pursuing a fulfilling career is never too late!
You can overcome the fear of a career change and take the leap to a happier and more fulfilling future. Remember to stay positive and take action! You can only get rid of fear by facing it and walking through it. Take your time to demystify your limiting beliefs!
I wish you good thoughts, should you have to make similar decisions. In my coaching, we can focus on the topic so that you can shape your own future in a self-determined way. Here is a link to book a discovery session with me to find out if I am the right coach for you.
Pin this graphic if you liked the post.
Kathrina Engelhardt talks about Money or self-fulfillment and the anxiety about starting a new career
Do you want to work on your limiting beliefs? I have prepared something to support you. 👇🏻
