Overwhelmed by changing careers? This could help

When times are uncertain or there are dramatic changes to the way we live, sometimes another unexpected thing happens – we take a step back and reassess.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge upheaval, and many people may well be rethinking their careers as we start to navigate our way through it.

If you’re considering a career change right now – for whatever reason – it’s worth knowing that hurdles can get in the way, but being prepared can help you break through them.

Here we look at the top five hurdles people typically face when making a career change, and ways you can overcome them.

Change can come with hurdles 

It’s normal to feel apprehensive when we’re facing a career change. In fact, SEEK research has found that 39% of us feel nervous, 34% feel uncertain and 25% of us feel overwhelmed when thinking about making changes at work.

There are five main reasons we tend to resist career change: lack of time, having difficult conversations about the change, lack of personal finances, not knowing where to start and facing resistance from others.

Cameron Norton from Expert360 says while we’re naturally wired to resist change or the unknown, there are simple ways that you can tackle each of these barriers so you can break through to the positives that can come from change.

Hurdle 1: Time constraints

“Most of us spend at least 38 hours a week working, and this has a big impact on our overall health and wellbeing,” Norton says. It can be hard to find the time for anything extra on top of a busy working week, but even half-hour blocks or regular small actions can make a difference. “If you’re not happy in your job, you need to maketime to determine your next option because your performance will slide as your engagement and satisfaction drops,” he says.

Norton suggests:

• Getting up 30 minutes earlier to search for jobs and update your resume
• Schedule coffee meetings within your network
• Take regular action – however small it is

Read more: Big change, small steps: How to switch industries

Hurdle 2: Having difficult conversations related to the change

Perhaps you need to get your partner or family on board with your career change, or break the news to your boss that you want to look for different options. Starting a difficult conversation isn’t easy, but there are strategies that you can use to help things go as well as possible.

First, work out why you want to have the conversation and what you want to achieve from it. Think about the right time and way to have the conversation – ideally, when neither of you is preoccupied or tired. It’s often worth setting aside some time beforehand, by saying something like, “I’ve got some plans I’m exploring, and I’d like to talk about them with you. Can we put aside half an hour to chat tomorrow?” Then prepare what you’d like the conversation to cover. Often, our fear holds us back from starting these conversations but once you begin, it’s often not as scary as you anticipated.

Hurdle 3: Lack of personal finances to make things happen

When it comes to career change hurdles, money can be one of the most undeniable. But creating a “transition fund” is an effective strategy to help you along the way, Norton says. “This is a savings account that you contribute to each time you are paid,” he explains. “It may only be $50 or $100 per pay, but the key is to make some contribution and let the money accumulate.”

Norton recommends automating this process, so it’s done almost without you noticing. “The purpose of this fund is to give you choices when it comes time to make a move,” he says. “Having money at hand will give you breathing space and time to think as opposed to rushing into something new because you need the money.”

Read more: How to stretch, boost and crush your finances for a career change
The 4 things you need to do with your finances before making a career change

Hurdle 4: Not knowing where to start

Changing careers can be daunting, so it’s natural you might not know where to begin. A self-assessment is a good place to start. It basically involves taking the time to check in with yourself and ask a few questions, such as ‘What do I want from my career?’ ‘What are my strengths?’ ‘What do I enjoy when it comes to work?’ Your answers can help you find clarity on what to do next.

There are also professionals out there who know just how to help when it comes to career change. “There are amazing transition consultants who can help you determine what you want, help shape up your career story and give advice on interview techniques,” Norton says. “The best athletes in the world engage coaches and a support team to help them achieve success. It’s no different with your career.”

Read more: 6 steps to a successful career change

Hurdle 5: Facing resistance from others

Speaking to people you trust and respect – like your colleagues, family and friends or mentors – can help you make the change you’re after. SEEK research found that people who spoke to someone like a peer, colleague, family member or friend were less likely to find change ‘too hard to make’.

But be wary of taking on too many outside opinions. “Most people will advise you against making a change as it often upsets their status quo,” Norton says. “But at the end of the day, I ask people, “would you go to this person for advice normally?”. If the answer is no, why would you listen to their opinion about your career and your future?”

Ultimately, it’s natural to feel hesitant about making a career change, but don’t forget all the positive emotions that can come from taking on new career challenges – you can feel inspired, confident, encouraged and energised. And by identifying what it is that’s holding you back and making a plan to overcome it, you’ll be well on your way to making the change you want.