Why are you afraid of getting a new job?

Switching to a new job can be a stressful life experience. The Holmes Rahe Stress Scale indicates that it is one of the 20 most stressful things that can happen in your lifetime. Change can bring with it the fear of disruption and change within your life can be daunting. But change can also bring positive outcomes with it. There is only one way to overcome the fear of changing paths and that is to listen to the positive internal voice in your head as opposed to the critical one. Here are some ways to overcome the niggles of the critical voice when changing jobs.

Are you worried you might hate your new job?

There are many people in this world that stay in miserable jobs purely out of fear that they might be even more miserable elsewhere. Sadly, this takes away from all opportunity to find a job that makes them happy. Plenty of people that move jobs don’t leave their old job because they hated it. Often people change jobs to try something new, they’ve found a better salary package or have the opportunity for a better work/life balance. The best way to approach this question is to think about what you currently dislike in your job and research other jobs that may offer solutions to those dislikes. This can bring about excitement for positive change instead of the worry about taking on additional dislikes in a new job.

Have you convinced yourself you won’t be able to adapt to change?

We’ve all been there and had the overwhelming feeling of impostor syndrome walking into a new job. This feeling can bring even the most competent of professionals into darkness. Overcome your self-doubt by starting to read job descriptions and asking yourself what skills that you use in your current job are directly transferable to the job specification you are reading. Ask yourself what additional skills would you need to learn? Attend interviews and determine where your skill set is at. If an employer makes an offer it is a clear indication they have enough confidence in your capability for the role – so there is no reason to doubt your own ability too.

Feeling very comfortable in your current job?

If you’re good at your job and are well paid why change? Well if your heart isn’t in it, things can get wearing over time. Sometimes it is easy to just put up with things, but it comes at a cost. Work also gives you a strong sense of identity. We often define ourselves by our work “I’m a doctor, I’m a teacher” etc. It can be particularly difficult to change jobs if we have spent years building this identity for ourselves around a specific role. It is important to remember that change brings with it so many more avenues to learn, adapt and add some new strings to your bow. It can give you the opportunity to not only add to your identity but make it more diverse and give you a competitive edge.

Are you afraid that you are making the wrong decision?

It’s impossible to determine if you are making the wrong decision, but what if you’re making the right one? The risk involved in changing jobs or careers is that you don’t find the work in your new role meaningful or engaging. There are a few things to remember in this situation. Don’t make a rush decision on the basis that you can’t take your current job anymore. Take the time to research and make informed decisions. Take the time to plan your transition. If you are going to need financial security if you must go back to college etc. then start saving. Planning and managing the transition can make it easier and less stressful. Don’t forget to keep a supportive network around you and stay positive throughout the period of change in your life.

Here in Euro Executive we provide a range of supports to those looking to change jobs or careers. We can help you with your CV, help with interviews and help guide you through career transitions. Visit our job listings here to find out more about our current vacancies.