How to overcome the fear of career switching

Are you haunted by thoughts that you’re not living your life to the fullest? Do you feel unsettled in your career and scared at the idea of taking a leap in a new direction? Maybe you’re feeling undervalued at your current job, yet you’re troubled at the chance your next job will end up eventually leaving you with the exact same feeling. It’s your worst nightmare. Fear fills your soul when you begin to wonder “what do I really want? Where do I even start looking?”

First of all, you found Bmeaningful, so relax a little you’re on the right track!

It’s time to listen to your inner voice. Here are a few tips that can help you take the first step towards a career you won’t want a vacation from.

Related: How to know when it’s time to embrace change

 

Start with your values!

Use fear as a tool to help you realize what truly matters for your professional career. Use this to find what your values are, what it is that you enjoy or really do not enjoy.

Related: How best to discover your true values

 

Discover the companies

Sometimes it can be hard to tell from a job title what that job actually entails or perhaps you don’t know what to search for. You may want to consider a reverse job search – where you search the companies you want and see available positions. You’ll also want to sign up for the Bmeaningful newsletter and scan the job board each week to see the newest opportunities that match your values.

Related: A list of careers that you may not have known existed

 

Meet your future career

Once you’ve discovered the companies that align with your values, the next trick is to meet with someone who is currently working there. You can ask for an informational interview through your social media channels, at face-to-face events, or maybe by email (more tips here on how to ask by email). Try to take this time to learn all you can about the position so you can feel more comfortable should you make the switch. We’ve done a lot of informational coffee dates and have compiled a list of career advice from over 100 impact professionals to help you get started.

 

Tailor your resume

Dust off those cobwebs from your resume file and start matching the keywords from your chosen job description (tips here for resume must do’s for career switchers). You may also be asked to write a cover letter – take it as an opportunity to expose your qualities and skills which will make you a great asset to the company. Here are more ideas on how to write your next “stand out from the crowd” cover letter.

 

Apply and let the magic happen

Use your refreshed resume and your network to apply to those open positions (or maybe even just to the company itself depending on how involved your contact may be).  Once you apply, be sure to thank those who have helped you along the way. The “thank you” is an important gesture that can go a long way.

Now that you’re feeling ready to take the leap, here are a few tips on how to avoid any career switching rookie mistakes. The daunting voices in your head will never leave until you take action. So what are you waiting for?

Feel a bit more rested with the whole idea of a new career? Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Want more curated content delivered straight to your inbox?