Today I called in to my friends Annemarie and Keith at Career Success Radio to respond to this question. (To listen to the show, go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/careercommunique/2010/01/10/wake-up--explore-your-passion-a-career-success-rad.
This question was on CareerSuccessRadio.com's "Career Success Expert Panel" page, along with my response and suggestions for strategies: http://careersuccessradio.com/2010/01/how-can-i-get-past-my-fear-of-changing-jobs-q1-career/ or click the title of this post.
Question:
How can I get past my fear of changing jobs? I’ve been working in my current role for the last 4 years and just dread Monday morning’s to the point where I am almost making myself physically ill on Sunday nights, knowing I have to go into work the next day. Despite this getting increasingly worse, I just can’t seem to get past my fear that I may end up in another job that I loathe? And, many of my friends and family tell me I’m silly and that I should be thankful I’ve got a job. Particulary with the current job market being so tight. To be honest, I just don’t know how long I continue putting on a happy face at work when inside, I feel like I’m dying — little by little. Do you have any advice?
– Anita L.
My answer:
Hi Anita,
You’re question really pulled at my heartstrings… so many of us can really relate to what you’re going through.
When I hear that your situation is making you physically/literally ill, it causes great concern. Your body is giving you a very strong warning sign and to ignore it is like walking a slippery slope. It sounds like it’s been building for a long time to get to this point and I would encourage you to heed what your body is telling you. Your health and well-being are of critical importance.
Sadly, sometimes the only way we finally take the risks we need to, for our own well-being, is when the fear of staying where we’re at is greater than the fear of moving forward. And in your case, your body may actually force this decision for you.
Regarding being grateful…. agreed… gratitude is important, but don’t be a martyr in the process. Be careful of the “shoulds”: what you think you “should” do, what others say you “should” do, etc. Listen to your body right now, then listen to your intuition. Rationalizing too much is tricky, as it can steer you in an unhealthy decision. I would suggest that your heart and soul know you best. What do they say to do right now?
Some strategies to consider:
* Consider taking a health leave or vacation time from your job, so you can take care of yourself.
* Evaluate what is actually making you sick about your job. Is it the job or tasks themselves, or the environment? Do you need a career change, or a change of workplace?
* If you want a career change, strongly consider a thorough exploration. Know your direction and work on an immediate course of action… a path to take to get you to a healthy place (mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually).
* Take baby steps to make your next move. Ask yourself how you can take small steps NOW to get you to where you want/need to be.
* Practice building your positivity back up. Be confident in yourself, your desires, abilities, strengths, accomplishments, vision and goals. Starting today, work on replacing doubts with affirmations.
I hope this helps Anita. Take care of yourself and remember you are a strong woman. As they say “this too shall pass”.
Brenda Blackburn
Personal & Professional Development Facilitator
Certified Employment Counsellor
Certified Life Skills Coach
http://www.brendablackburn.com
http://careercommuniqueradio.ning.com/profile/BrendaBlackburn
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