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Here is Chris’s story. Since she started working, she had been in the same industry. But over the years, something shifted. She began to question the way things were done, and felt increasingly out of sync with the culture and values around her. And, after almost 10 years, she felt the urge to get out of there. Yet, she was afraid, yes, she was terrified of making a change. What if it’s even worse on the other side? What if I regret this? And what if I fail?

Here’s how she managed, with help from a career coach, to make the move and switch industries.

Step 1: Getting Clarity

They started by identifying why she felt uncomfortable in the industry she worked. It wasn’t about being bored—it was a values misalignment. Her values had shifted over the years, and they defined what was important for her now: meaningful impact, transparency, and on a more personal note, flexibility, and growth.

Once she could name what she actually wanted, her sense of discomfort began to lift.

Step 2: Managing the Risk

One of Chris’s biggest blockers was financial anxiety. So instead of rushing into a decision, she and her coach built a clear risk-management plan.

She started setting aside savings and reduced non-essential spending. She gave herself a realistic timeline and a cushion that gave her confidence.

Step 3: Taking Smart Action

With clarity and a financial plan in place, Chris moved into action – strategic, not impulsive. She:

• began talking to people in fields she was curious about
• checked-out LinkedIn profiles of people already working in such fields
• attended industry events (virtually and in-person)
• took a short online course to build skills relevant to her target role
• updated her CV and LinkedIn gradually to be in line with what she wanted to work with

This built both her knowledge of (and confidence in) new industries and her network.

Step 4: Making the Leap

By the time Chris gave notice, it didn’t feel like jumping off a cliff—it felt like walking toward something she had prepared for. She had a clear plan, a new opportunity lined up, and a support system behind her.

Final Thoughts

Chris’s story is not unusual—but what made her successful was intentionality. Career change doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right mix of clarity, preparation, and small, smart actions, it can be very empowering. Indeed, staying in an environment that clashes with your values can drain your energy, and leaving is sometimes the healthiest decision you can make. Believe me, I’ve been there –done that.

If you’re feeling stuck but scared, take inspiration from Chris. Don’t let fear decide your future – get the support you need to make your next chapter the right one.

Let me introduce Tina. She’s been in her career for over 15 years. She’s held a high-level executive job with responsibilities, people management, and yes, a steady income. By all accounts, it’s a “good job,” but Tina can’t shake off the feeling that something’s missing. A spark, a sense of purpose… something that makes her feel valuable and… alive.

Does this story feel familiar? Maybe it’s the long hours, a lack of excitement, or the sense of “I’ve been there, done that, and where is it taking me?” Maybe you’re even wondering what it would be like to do something totally different, something that feels like you. Yet, the thought of change is just so scary – better to stay put…

If you’ve ever dreamed about making a career change but felt the fear creeping in, know that you’re not alone! Let’s talk about what these fears are really about -and why they’re not as impossible to overcome as they may seem.

Why We’re So Afraid of Career Change

First, let’s acknowledge the truth: changing careers is scary. It’s human nature to stick with what’s familiar our brains are screaming “Don’t Change!!”.

Here are some common fears that hold us back:

Fear of the Unknown: “What if I don’t like this new job? What if it’s worse than where I am now?” Leaving something known, even if it’s not ideal, can feel like taking a leap into the dark – better the devil you know…

Fear of Failure: Thoughts like “What if I fail when trying?” or “What if I’m not as good at this new thing as I hope to be?” are very common. This fear can become a roadblock before you even take the first step.

Imposter Syndrome: “Who am I to try something new?” Many of us worry that we don’t have the right skills, experience, or even the right to be successful.

Fear of Financial Instability: Practical concerns about income, benefits, and stability make career change feel like a financial risk.

These fears make sense. They’re real, and they’re valid. But here’s the thing: they’re not a reason to stick around at a job that makes you feel miserable. In fact, these fears are something almost everyone –  yes everyone – feels when considering a big change. And that means they’re entirely normal.

A Reality Check: You’re Not Alone

Let’s put things in perspective. Studies like Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends Report show that more than half of people considering a career change feel exactly the same way. Self-doubt and fear are so common that they’re considered a “universal experience”. In fact, fear itself can be an indicator that you’re ready to explore something significant, and more fulfilling.

Here’s a truth many of us forget: Fear doesn’t mean stop. It simply means prepare. Career changes are not about throwing yourself into the unknown without a safety net; they’re about careful, intentional steps toward a life and career that align with who you really are.

Reframing Fear as a Guide

Here’s an interesting way to look at it: what if these fears could actually help guide us? Think of it this way—if something feels scary but exciting, it might be a sign that this change could lead you to a more fulfilling path. Let’s break down the reframing process:

Ask “What’s the worst that could happen?”: This is a surprisingly helpful question. By imagining the worst-case scenario, you can often see that it’s not as catastrophic as it seems. Could you learn from it? Bounce back? Most likely, yes!

Imagine the best possible outcome: Just as important, picture the positive. What would happen if this career change worked out even better than expected? Think about the satisfaction, the growth, and the sense of purpose that could come with it. And don’t let your limited beliefs get in your way (well that is a topic for another article).

When we reframe fear as a guide, it becomes less of an obstacle. You don’t have to dive in headfirst; you just have to start somewhere.

First Steps to Tame Career Change Fears

If the thought of changing careers still feels overwhelming, start small. Tiny, manageable steps can help ease your fears and give you a feel for what a different path might look like.

Here are two things to do right now:

1. Reflect on What’s Really Holding You Back: Grab a journal and write down what you’re afraid of. Often, just seeing your fears on paper makes them feel less overwhelming.
2. Take One Action: Research a new field, sign up for an online course, or reach out to someone who’s already made a career change. Taking one small action shows that you can face your fears—and that you’re capable of change.

These two first steps are of course not about making a dramatic shift overnight. They’re about preparing yourself for what’s possible and allowing yourself to dream, even just a little (Remember: you are allowed to – and you should! – dream, even real big!).

The Takeaway: Embrace the Possibility of Change

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: your fear is not a stop sign. It’s a signal that something meaningful is waiting on the other side. And while change is never easy, it’s often harder to stay in a place that doesn’t make you happy.

So, if you’ve been thinking about a new path, consider this your invitation to explore it. Start with these small steps, and stay tuned – I’ll be sharing more ways to tackle these fears and take practical steps toward a career change. Your future self will thank you for it !