Many people get caught up in the potential risks of making a career change and become their own worst enemy, letting unknown possibilities and fears stand in the way of what could be a great career move. But if you can look past these self-imposed roadblocks, you can get further down the road to success.
Here are some of the most common things keeping you from moving forward and how to overcome them.
1. Fear of the Unknown
We call it “The Devil You Know”. It’s always easier to explain away the bad parts of your current role because you’ve learned to put up with them. You can get stuck in the mud trying to find all the possible reasons the new role might be just as bad (or worse), but that can keep you from finding out all the ways a new role might be better.
2. Fear of Failure
You might be thinking, “I know I’m good at my current job; what if I’m not as good at the new one?” and that's something we hear all the time. I see this Richard Branson quote all over, but is anyone taking it to heart? “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes, then learn how to do it later!” If someone else is willing to give you more money and the chance to learn and grow, TAKE IT!
3. Fear of Disappointing Others
Many times we hear phrases like, “I don’t want to burn a bridge…” Bridge-burning comes from not doing a good job on a day-to-day basis over a prolonged period of time, or being unwilling to improve or respond positively to guidance. Yes, it can come from handling a departure in an unprofessional manner, leaving with less than two weeks’ notice, leaving your open items in disarray and not helping to make a smooth transition, or talking badly about the company to employees who are staying. But it DOES NOT come from taking advantage of a great opportunity that would improve your life and the lives of your family members. People who truly value you will never undercut your success.
4. Fear of Missing the Next Great Thing
There will always be that next opportunity that someone you know gets that might make you think, “Maybe if I had stayed, I would have had that role,” An old boss of mine used to say, “If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!” This means that reasons to say “if this…” and “but that…” are plentiful, but they can drag you down. Indecision is the killer of more opportunity than anything else. More often than not, we find the opposite happens; the idea role passes you by and every role after that seems not as good. That’s the worst of it all, regret!
Here are some of the most common things keeping you from moving forward and how to overcome them.
1. Fear of the Unknown
We call it “The Devil You Know”. It’s always easier to explain away the bad parts of your current role because you’ve learned to put up with them. You can get stuck in the mud trying to find all the possible reasons the new role might be just as bad (or worse), but that can keep you from finding out all the ways a new role might be better.
2. Fear of Failure
You might be thinking, “I know I’m good at my current job; what if I’m not as good at the new one?” and that's something we hear all the time. I see this Richard Branson quote all over, but is anyone taking it to heart? “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes, then learn how to do it later!” If someone else is willing to give you more money and the chance to learn and grow, TAKE IT!
3. Fear of Disappointing Others
Many times we hear phrases like, “I don’t want to burn a bridge…” Bridge-burning comes from not doing a good job on a day-to-day basis over a prolonged period of time, or being unwilling to improve or respond positively to guidance. Yes, it can come from handling a departure in an unprofessional manner, leaving with less than two weeks’ notice, leaving your open items in disarray and not helping to make a smooth transition, or talking badly about the company to employees who are staying. But it DOES NOT come from taking advantage of a great opportunity that would improve your life and the lives of your family members. People who truly value you will never undercut your success.
4. Fear of Missing the Next Great Thing
There will always be that next opportunity that someone you know gets that might make you think, “Maybe if I had stayed, I would have had that role,” An old boss of mine used to say, “If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!” This means that reasons to say “if this…” and “but that…” are plentiful, but they can drag you down. Indecision is the killer of more opportunity than anything else. More often than not, we find the opposite happens; the idea role passes you by and every role after that seems not as good. That’s the worst of it all, regret!
Brooke Fisher brings over 20 years of financial recruiting expertise to your search. She has worked with both candidates who have just a few years' experience and Chief Financial Officers to match the best candidates to the perfect companies. Brooke's expertise is in mid to large-sized companies in the telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and real estate industries. Email her at [email protected]
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
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ANDREWS & COLE
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