5 Steps to Overcome Your Career Change Fears in 2024

Hit a wall in your career? You're not alone.

Many of us reach a point where what we're doing just doesn't feel right anymore. Maybe you're bored, maybe you crave more challenges, or maybe you always had a different dream bubbling under the surface. Whether it's a nagging whisper or a full-blown scream, it's time to listen to that inner voice pushing for change.

Understanding Your Unique Career Fears

Feeling a bit terrified about hitting mid-career reset is totally normal!

Here's why it can feel extra scary for women:

😨 The "Shoulds"
Society places so much pressure on women to fit certain roles, and stepping outside those roles can make us doubt ourselves. Been there. Still trying to avoid doing that!

😨 Juggling Act
Often, we're managing care for kids, parents, and ourselves on top of a demanding job, leaving zero space for career soul-searching.

😨 Confidence Gap
It's no secret that the workplace isn't always a level field. Systemic barriers and internalized fears can make us hesitant to step into the spotlight.

5 Strategies to Overcome Fear and Launch Your 2024 Career Shift

Ready to shake things up?

Here are 5 actionable steps you can take right now:

1️⃣ Unpack Your Passions and Values
What makes you feel truly alive and fulfilled? Identify those core values that are and aren't being met in your current work.

Actionable Step for You: Grab a notebook (or Notes app) and write about your dream workday. What skills do you use? What problems do you solve for others?

2️⃣ Ditch the Imposter Syndrome
You have tons of valuable skills and experience. You have loads of success stories. Don’t let anyone (including yourself) tell you otherwise!

Actionable Step for You: List ALL your accomplishments (big and small - yes, including small). Reference old performance reviews and positive LinkedIn recommendations.

Book Recommendation: "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers offers powerful tools to manage your inner gremlins.

3️⃣ Network Like a Boss
Connect with fellow women who are successfully navigating career transitions. They're proof it's possible!

Actionable Step for You: Seek out women-focused professional groups in your industry. Reach out to current and former colleagues on LinkedIn.

4️⃣ Skill Swap
Chances are, many of your existing skills are easily transferable to a new field with some strategic updates.

Actionable Step for You: Use free resources like Udemy or Coursera to fill minor knowledge gaps and gain the skills you need to stay relevant in an ever-evolving workplace.

5️⃣ Small Steps, Big Impact
Changing careers usually isn't a sudden leap of faith . More often, it involves a series of baby steps.

Actionable Step for You: Offer your skills on a volunteer project, take on a side gig, or shadow someone in your dream role.

Book Recommendation: If you feel overwhelmed by the big picture, "13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do" by Amy Morin provides a no-nonsense guide to building resilience in small ways.

Remember: You Are Not Alone, and Success Is Possible

Careers are no longer a straight line. Your life experiences have given you so many valuable, transferable skills – even if you might not recognize them right away! I've seen numerous women at this stage rediscover their passions, embrace change, and ultimately find more fulfilling work.

Remember, you possess a unique blend of experience, wisdom, and passion that deserves to shine. You don't need to have all the answers right now, but the courage to start asking the right questions can change everything.

Believe in yourself – you've got this girl!

P.S.

Would you like to explore how I can support your career goals? I offer a free 20-minute consultation to answer your questions and discuss how my services can help you achieve your objectives. To get a better idea of the topics we might cover, you can check out common questions, view my career packages, and book a session through this link: https://www.tychecoaching.com/frequently-asked-questions