What’s Holding You Back? – The Psychology Of Career Pivoting
- Mar 23, 2023
- 5 min read
Written by: Chrysanthi Vazitari, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The usual questions that pop up when you type in google “how do I know I need to change jobs” are the following: “Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current career?”, “Are you afraid to pursue your dream job?” or “Do you feel stagnated in your current role?”
Well, guess what? You're not alone! In fact, a recent survey found that nearly 80% of workers are considering a career change. And you might wonder… What percentage of these people are actually doing it? One thing is certain, that many of us are afraid to take the leap and follow our dreams. So let's explore the psychology of career pivoting.
First of all, it's important to understand that fear is a natural response to change. Whether it's the fear of financial insecurity, lack of relevant experience, or the unknown, these fears can hold us back from pursuing our dreams and our dream careers specifically. But here's the thing ‒ these fears are just roadblocks, and roadblocks can be overcome!
One of the biggest fears for people considering a career pivot is financial insecurity. “Will I make enough money?” “Can I afford to take a pay cut?” While these are valid concerns, it's important to remember that money is not the only factor in determining career satisfaction. Pursuing a career that brings you happiness and fulfillment is worth a small pay cut. Plus, many times a career pivot can lead to higher earnings in the long run. So, don't let the fear of financial insecurity hold you back. Let me just tell you that when I quit my job, I made a few of the biggest investments of my life in 2 years, when really, my income was more like pocket-money. You might think “I am not this kind of person who will risk being financially unstable”. You wouldn’t know, but neither was I! I was actually ready to buy a house and commit to a mortgage of 20-25 years to repay it with a job I hated! Yes… I said I hated it! But now I can tell you it was the best thing I could invest in… because I invested in MYSELF!
Another fear for those considering a career pivot is the lack of relevant experience. "I don't have the skills for this new role!", "I've never worked in that industry before!". But here's the thing ‒ new experiences bring new opportunities for growth and development. Instead of guessing and imagining and starting with all the what ifs, why don’t you try to actually identify your skills. YOUR SKILLS… Not the job titles or the positions.
But what do you mean with that Chrysa? (is that what you are wondering?) Well, pay attention to this… You are more than your titles. The skills are the ones you developed through your titles and positions, through your studies, hobbies and life experience. Additionally, you never know what skills and experiences you'll gain from a new role until you try. And who knows, you might just surprise yourself with how well you adapt. So, embrace the unknown because this is where you grow and develop! Unknown is your friend!
Fear of failure is another common roadblock for those considering a career pivot. “What if I can't perform in my new role?” “What if I don't fit in with my new colleagues?” These are common fears, but it's important to remember that failure is a part of the learning process. I cannot count at this point how many times I was frightful to do pretty much anything in this entrepreneurial journey, thinking many times how this can go wrong. And guess what? It did, because I didn't know what I was doing. Sometimes I still don't but… In these moments of “failure” I learned so much! I re-evaluated and pivoted constantly! Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and don't let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dream career. Feel the fear and do it anyway…
It's also important to remember that fear often stems from negative self-talk. If you're constantly telling yourself you're not good enough or not experienced enough, then you'll never feel confident enough to make a career pivot. So, change your self-talk. Tell yourself that you're capable, that you have something unique to offer, and that you can succeed. This positive self-talk will help you overcome your fears and pursue your dream career with confidence.
In conclusion, pivoting your career can be a big decision, and fear is a natural response to change. But it's important to remember that fear is just a roadblock, and roadblocks can be overcome as we said in the beginning. Don't let fear hold you back from pursuing a career that brings you happiness and fulfillment. So take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and go after your dream career. Remember, as the famous quote by Marianne Williamson goes, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." So unleash your inner power and pivot your career today!
If you find yourself needing additional help or your own personal cheerleader, I would be more than happy to help. This is why I have created a programme that will help you break free and soar to new heights. The “Career Bootcamp”, with 10 modules of self-paced videos, community support and offline coaching, will give you skills and confidence to crush your career goals like never before. With expert guidance and practical strategies, you'll learn how to overcome obstacles, accelerate your growth, and achieve the success you deserve. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or start your own business, Career Bootcamp is the ultimate tool to help you achieve your dreams. Don't wait any longer ‒ enroll now and take the first step towards the career you've always wanted!
Chrysanthi Vazitari, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Chrysanthi is a certified transformational coach working with multi-passionate and highly energetic professionals, who try to get career satisfaction, advancement or who want to completely pivot their careers. Chrysa has successfully pivoted her career three times already, from an educator to communications advisor in big corporations and is now an entrepreneur/coach. She is the founder of Career Grow & Glow and the co-founder of GrowthUP coaching. Her coaching method is the ACC: Awareness ‒ Clarity ‒ Choice (by CMA) in combination with somatic/embodied and cognitive-behavioral elements. Of course, there is constant change, as she doesn't rest and keep incorporating new methods along the way!
