With Halloween here, how about we start embracing our fears 🎃 … In a recent article by Forbes, it’s said that 87% of people report they’re nervous about starting a new job while 50% are worried their new colleagues and managers will consider them as unqualified—both valid points that may deter people from taking the leap and finding a new job to excel their career.

So, why do so many people have a fear of changing jobs?

You can probably answer this question yourself, as starting a new role prompts fear within the best of us. Humans are creatures of habit, and because we like the feeling of comfort and the certainty of what to expect daily, we tend to get anxious when changing roles and not having that familiarity with us every day.

But if you need to overcome this fear sooner rather than later to excel in your career, try:

1.     Writing down your fear of changing jobs

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about finding a new job or accepting a new role. Instead of keeping these negative thoughts inside your head, write down all your concerns. By putting these on paper and materialising your worries this can help you identify what you’re actually stressed about.

Narrowing these down will help you realise whether they’re valid or irrational points which will allow you to focus your time on the ones that matter. You might find a few of these fears are unreasonable which could make you feel less stressed about the entire situation of changing jobs.

2.     Focusing on a strong mindset

Make a separate list of why you want to find a new job and what opportunities might come with this change. Focusing on why you want a new role could help you beat your overall fear of changing jobs as this will change your mentality, replacing your fear with perseverance.

3.     Researching the current opportunities available

Don’t make false assumptions about a role before you do your research. If you’re concerned about how you’ll fit into a different work culture, if your skills aren’t up to par with the responsibilities, or if flexibility isn’t valued, find solace by thoroughly researching the company (or companies) online rather than coming to any negative conclusions.

Find your answers on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or any other company review websites to get an insight into the work environment, and go through the job description with a fine-tooth comb via Seek and Indeed to find if the daily tasks align with your skillset—if not keep reading…

4.     Developing your skills

Do you worry that you mightn’t meet the expectations of a new role? You’re not alone; it’s common to feel like this as most of us are anxious to do the best possible job we can. If you’re lacking confidence in your skills, you could further develop these through online courses, insightful events, or taking industry advice from mentors in your field by arranging a coffee catch-up every so often.

Read through the description sections of the jobs you want to apply for, identify the skills you currently don’t have and start broadening your knowledge with the opportunities available to gain control over this fear of changing jobs.

5.     Talking to a recruitment consultancy

To help diminish your fear of changing jobs, talk to a recruiter (like a consultant from our team!). We can give you advice, help you back yourself in your decisions, tell you about the current job market, provide tips on your resume and profile, and help you prep for upcoming interviews!

Basically, we’re your cheerleader and are happy to talk you through your fears of changing jobs and help you find a role that you’re passionate and confident about.

A final note:

Fear stirs up unpleasant feelings (to say the least), but some of the best advice is to embrace and acknowledge what you’re afraid of so you can move forward. And what better day is there to start embracing your fears other than today—Happy Halloween! 🎃

Have a question for us? If you’re a job seeker on the lookout for your next role, a hiring manager looking to fill a position, or want to know more about this topic, contact us at Humanised Group! We’re here to help you succeed.