Here's how you can conquer the fear of starting over in a new career.
Starting over in a new career can be a daunting prospect, filled with uncertainties and self-doubt. The fear of the unknown and the possibility of failure can paralyze you, preventing you from taking that crucial first step towards change. However, embracing a new career path can also be a refreshing and rewarding experience, offering opportunities for growth and fulfillment that you may not have found in your previous role. By understanding your fears and taking proactive steps to address them, you can pave the way for a successful transition into a new field.
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Ivana GligorovskaHR Business Partner at Polar Cape
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Wilson HeHR VP / The X-Model for High Performance Team / Motivation Formula / Blog Writer / Keynote Speaker / LinkedIn Power…
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Ursula Kienholz BjerckeSenior Professional Career Coach (SPCC) | Ex Estée Lauder, Coca-Cola and Carlsberg | I help Supply Chain & Mid-Career…
To conquer the fear of starting over, the first step is to acknowledge it. Fear is a natural response to change, especially when it comes to your livelihood. Recognize that it's normal to feel apprehensive about leaving your comfort zone. Instead of suppressing these feelings, give yourself permission to experience them. By acknowledging your fear, you can begin to understand what's driving it—be it financial concerns, the worry of not fitting in, or the dread of not succeeding. Understanding the root causes of your fear is the first step in overcoming it.
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Ivana Gligorovska
HR Business Partner at Polar Cape
I will share my own experience. I started over, in a new career, when I was 29 years old. I had to evaluate if my current direction in life and career is truly adequate to my best qualities. And it was not. This helped me over come the fear because I knew that if i started a career in a field where I can use my full potential, that I would be happier, more motivated, and with that more successful.
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Wilson He
HR VP / The X-Model for High Performance Team / Motivation Formula / Blog Writer / Keynote Speaker / LinkedIn Power Profiles 2017 & 2018
Invited to have a cup of coffee, I was asked to answer a tough Career Choice question, keeping the current job or moving to a new opportunity, very difficult for him to choose. "Moving your viewpoint to three years later, suppose you would go back talent market again. Which career path will add your more value, current position or new opportunity? " "If you can'd do decision now, try to evaluate from the long-term view. " Is this advice worth a cup of coffee?
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Sourabh Munjal
Head of HR @ Anand International College | PhD in HRM
Navigating career for a reason, or only with the other advise. before jumping into new career, check yourself for the required competencies, advantages and disadvantages and more important your passion, if you have passion for the new role, have or can learn the skills, will be in better position to tackle the fear of change.
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Dr. Hardik Shah
Associate Professor-HRM & OB| Chairperson-MDPs| Academic Leadership| Business Strategy| Org. Development |Trainer & Consultant|Executive Education| Psychometric/Assessment Expert| ICF-ACC Coach| Appreciative Inquiry (AI)
I suggest that you first conduct a SWOT analysis of yourself based on your technical and behavioral skills and competencies. Then, through relevant secondary sources, you can get the details related to the future job/role you'd like to pursue. Map the required competencies of the new role. Finally, calculate risk considering the functional/industry/both shifts that you are planning. Make an informed (calculated) choice so that you will be realistic in setting the performance expectations as required.
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Erin Harding
Facilities Manager at Alberta Infrastructure
A perspective I’ve found helpful to share during coaching is that when you are looking for a new job don’t look for one where you know how to do everything, out of fear of not knowing everything and failing. Whether you’re growing your career, looking for something similar to what you’re already doing, or are “desperate” and willing to take anything, look for jobs that offer opportunities for personal growth and development of new skills, as small as they may be. If you don’t have all the skills for your dream job build different skills through a series of career changes until you do. Most important, interview until you find a manager and team where they invest in you and you’re supported to make mistakes-that’s ultimately how you learn!
Setting clear, achievable goals is essential when transitioning to a new career. Start by envisioning where you want to be in the future and establish short-term and long-term goals that will guide you there. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This framework will help you create a roadmap for your career change, breaking down the journey into more manageable steps and making the overall process less intimidating.
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Giselle Ferreira de Meneses
Analista de Recursos Humanos SR | Especialista em LinkedIn para pessoas e negócios | Treinamento de Pessoas | Departamento Pessoal | LinkedIn Creator | Social Selling | Consultora de Carreira
Estabeleça Metas Defina metas claras: Estabeleça metas SMART (específicas, mensuráveis, alcançáveis, relevantes e temporais) para orientar sua transição. Divida em etapas: Quebre suas metas maiores em pequenas tarefas gerenciáveis para tornar o processo menos intimidador.
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Irshad Ibrahim
M.Tech & B.Tech from NIT Calicut | Career & Placement Trainer | IIT JEE Maths Instructor
Setting clear goals is key to overcoming the fear of starting over in a new career. Define what you want to achieve, whether it's gaining skills, finding job satisfaction, or advancing in a different field. Break these goals into manageable steps and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. By setting and pursuing achievable goals, you'll build confidence, stay focused on your objectives, and gradually overcome any apprehensions about the career transition.
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Renê Wallison de Assis
Coordenador C Segurança Eletrônica
O medo pode ter a ação de movê-lo a uma nova perspectiva mas também pode paralisá-lo. A melhor escolha parece óbvia, mas nem sempre o caminho é simples, por isso, as pequenas metas são são importantes. Elas permitem a retomada da confiança a medida em que você se prepara para os novos desafios.
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Lawrence Santiago, PhD
Scholar of Expertise, Global Health & Migration Policy / 1st Gen Academic with a passion for Student Success & Improving Education-to-Employment Pipelines / Disability & Accessibility Advocate / 🇵🇭🇨🇦🏳️🌈🧑🏾🦯
Setting goals, as mentioned by some contributors here, such as focusing on SMART goals, helps orient our actions and behavior. In my early 20s, I decided that I wanted to pursue a PhD and enter higher education, aiming to complete the PhD before I turned 26. I achieved that not because I’m special, but because I had that goal in my mind. It allowed me to filter my activities, the things I read, and what I paid attention to accordingly. There have also been periods in my life when my goals weren’t clear, and during those times, I ended up in places or situations that weren’t optimal for my growth—not just in my career, but in my personal development as well.
Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating fear. Take time to research your new career field thoroughly. Understand the skills and qualifications required, and identify any gaps in your current skill set. Consider enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or seeking out mentors in the field. The more you know about your new career, the less intimidating it will seem, and the more confident you will feel about making the transition.
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Giselle Ferreira de Meneses
Analista de Recursos Humanos SR | Especialista em LinkedIn para pessoas e negócios | Treinamento de Pessoas | Departamento Pessoal | LinkedIn Creator | Social Selling | Consultora de Carreira
Pesquise sobre a nova área: Entenda as habilidades e conhecimentos necessários para a nova carreira. Isso pode incluir cursos, certificações ou mesmo autoinstrução. Aprenda continuamente: Comprometa-se com a aprendizagem contínua para se manter atualizado e competitivo na nova área.
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Mario Christopher Braganza
Innovating a Creative Leadership mindset towards growth
Learn, Learn, Learn.... Continually. Once you keep at it, knowing and facing your fears become but a matter of academics. Keep learning and facing your fear head on... That's where your learning is profound and fruit into overcoming it.
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Irshad Ibrahim
M.Tech & B.Tech from NIT Calicut | Career & Placement Trainer | IIT JEE Maths Instructor
Gaining knowledge is essential for overcoming the fear of starting over in a new career. Begin by thoroughly researching your desired industry or field. Explore educational resources, such as online courses, workshops, or certifications, to enhance your skills and understanding. Network with professionals in the industry to gain insights and advice. Stay informed about current trends and developments through industry publications, forums, and networking events. By actively seeking knowledge and staying abreast of industry advancements, you'll build confidence and competence, easing the transition into your new career path.
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Tom Millington
Experienced Design, Construction and Renewables Recruitment Leader | Career Coach | Sharing FREE career growth content weekly 📈
You are the new kid on the block. Let that sink in. Ask questions to colleagues, leaders etc until you know exactly what is expected of you. Network internally with your company, attend events, lunch's so people know who you are and you know who they are.
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Lawrence Santiago, PhD
Scholar of Expertise, Global Health & Migration Policy / 1st Gen Academic with a passion for Student Success & Improving Education-to-Employment Pipelines / Disability & Accessibility Advocate / 🇵🇭🇨🇦🏳️🌈🧑🏾🦯
In my experience, there are multiple ways to gain knowledge. Some people pursue higher education (getting a PhD, MD, JD, etc.) to acquire highly specific expertise they can parlay into careers. Sometimes, people pursue higher education for its own sake, because the pursuit of knowledge and truth is a worthy enterprise in itself. But we shouldn’t discount “embodied knowledge” or “practical knowledge” that we can gain from simply engaging with life to the fullest. This can be achieved through traveling (which I did a lot) or through apprenticeships and work-integrated learning experiences. In short, knowledge is everywhere, and it’s up to us to decide what to pursue and how to use it—hopefully not just for our own advancement.
Building a strong professional network can provide invaluable support as you embark on a new career path. Connect with individuals who are already working in the field to gain insights and advice. Networking can also open up opportunities for job shadowing, internships, or even job offers. Use social media platforms, attend industry events, and don't hesitate to reach out to people whose careers you admire. Remember, most people are happy to share their experiences and offer guidance.
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Ursula Kienholz Bjercke
Senior Professional Career Coach (SPCC) | Ex Estée Lauder, Coca-Cola and Carlsberg | I help Supply Chain & Mid-Career professionals find clarity in their next career step and land a job they love
Leverage informational interviews to expand your network. This is almost like prototyping a new product or service. Reach out to professionals in your desired field and request brief, insightful conversations. These conversations provide you with a deeper understanding of the industry, job responsibilities, helping you determine if your expectations align with reality. They also help you build valuable relationships and uncover hidden opportunities.
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Irshad Ibrahim
M.Tech & B.Tech from NIT Calicut | Career & Placement Trainer | IIT JEE Maths Instructor
Building a network is crucial when starting over in a new career. Begin by identifying professionals in your desired industry or field. Attend industry events, conferences, and networking meetups to connect with like-minded individuals. Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn to expand your network and engage in relevant discussions. Offer to volunteer or participate in industry associations to establish credibility and broaden your connections. Remember, networking is not just about seeking opportunities but also about learning from others' experiences and gaining valuable insights.
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Dr.Anand R Deshpande
Educator /Management Faculty at Reputed City Colleges/Retail Hr Consultations/ Training Counseling /Career Guida to Students/Employees. Corporate employees training and development right now focusing on Retail Employees
Get expert opinion: Meet experience person of choose field personally if possible or read relevant books and try to understand the pros and cons in the frame work of your own swot analysis. Make sure you take calculated risk.
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Giselle Ferreira de Meneses
Analista de Recursos Humanos SR | Especialista em LinkedIn para pessoas e negócios | Treinamento de Pessoas | Departamento Pessoal | LinkedIn Creator | Social Selling | Consultora de Carreira
Conecte-se com profissionais da área: Utilize plataformas como LinkedIn para se conectar com pessoas que já atuam na carreira que você deseja. Participe de eventos e comunidades: Envolva-se em eventos, webinars e comunidades online para aprender e expandir seu networking.
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Oba Saliu
✅Experienced HR Professionals | 💡Talent Acquisition specialist | Recruitment Specialist 🌟 | Resume Review 500+🔝 | Career Coach | Resume Elevator 🛗 | Connecting Top 🎩 Clients
Building a strong network is essential when starting a new career. Leverage professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders and peers. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to meet new contacts. Engage in meaningful conversations and seek advice from mentors who can provide guidance and support. Join professional associations and online communities to stay informed about industry trends and opportunities. Networking not only opens doors to job opportunities but also provides a support system to navigate the challenges of a new career. Remember, relationships are key to professional growth and success.
Embracing change is crucial to overcoming the fear of starting anew. Recognize that change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. Approach your career transition with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Be prepared for setbacks and view them as learning experiences. Cultivating a positive mindset will help you stay resilient and motivated throughout the process of establishing yourself in a new career.
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Giselle Ferreira de Meneses
Analista de Recursos Humanos SR | Especialista em LinkedIn para pessoas e negócios | Treinamento de Pessoas | Departamento Pessoal | LinkedIn Creator | Social Selling | Consultora de Carreira
Adote uma mentalidade positiva: Encare a mudança como uma oportunidade de crescimento e desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional. Seja resiliente: Prepare-se para enfrentar obstáculos e lembre-se de que cada desafio superado fortalece sua capacidade de adaptação.
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Oba Saliu
✅Experienced HR Professionals | 💡Talent Acquisition specialist | Recruitment Specialist 🌟 | Resume Review 500+🔝 | Career Coach | Resume Elevator 🛗 | Connecting Top 🎩 Clients
Starting over in a new career can be daunting, but embracing change is crucial for success. View this transition as an opportunity for growth and reinvention. Instead of fearing the unknown, focus on the potential benefits: new skills, experiences, and professional relationships. Cultivate a positive mindset by setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories. Engage in continuous learning to stay adaptable. Remember, change often brings new possibilities and can lead to a more fulfilling career path. Embracing change means welcoming the chance to redefine your professional identity.
Finally, take action despite your fears. Procrastination can feed your anxiety and create a cycle of inaction. Break this cycle by committing to small, consistent actions towards your new career. Update your resume, apply for jobs, or volunteer in your desired field. Each step you take will build momentum and reinforce your commitment to change. Remember, action breeds confidence and courage, so start small but start now.
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Bright Kofi
Unlocking Potential & Driving Results: Customer-focused Digital Strategist | Executive Virtual Assistant | Youth Empowerment Advocate | Extern (Paragon One) Ambassador | Author | CEO, BB Medical Service ENT
Taking imperfect actions toward your goals can make a big difference. There were times I didn't see the importance of journaling until I realized how it refined my skills and creativity.
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Mario Christopher Braganza
Innovating a Creative Leadership mindset towards growth
Without that step of risk, without the action taken, there is no reaction. How would you know fear if you don't face upto it? How do you make the change if you don't know your bearings? Action is ultra important. Go dive into the unknown. Make that move... Challenge yourself
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Giselle Ferreira de Meneses
Analista de Recursos Humanos SR | Especialista em LinkedIn para pessoas e negócios | Treinamento de Pessoas | Departamento Pessoal | LinkedIn Creator | Social Selling | Consultora de Carreira
Busque apoio: Não tenha medo de buscar apoio profissional, como coaching de carreira, para ajudar na transição. Mantenha um equilíbrio: Cuide de sua saúde mental e física durante a transição para garantir que você esteja na melhor forma possível para enfrentar os desafios.
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Lisa Böbel
HR-Professional ✨ Karrierecoach für berufliche Erfüllung & moderne Karrieregestaltung
Die im Artikel genannten Schritte sind wichtige Steps auf dem Weg in eine neue Karriere. Aus meiner Erfahrung kann die Angst vor so einer großen Veränderung auch durch das Bewusstsein darüber gelindert werden, dass die Transformation Zeit brauchen darf und soll. Es können kleine geplante Schritte getan werden auf dem Weg in die Veränderung.
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