3 Things To Let Go Of When Making A Career Change

This article is part of the Coaching Collective series, featuring tips and expertise from Flatiron School Career Coaches. Every Flatiron School graduate is eligible to receive up to 180 days of 1:1 career coaching with one of our professional coaches. This series is a glimpse of the expertise you can access during career coaching at Flatiron School.

You’re at a pivotal point in your career and you start to wonder if you want to be in the same industry the rest of your life. Yet, you worked so hard to get to where you’re at, and you wonder if it would be a waste of time if you decided to switch careers. 

Where do you begin? What career do you transition into? Will your salary be cut? What do you keep on your resume? Is now even the right time? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs an average of 12 times during their career. 

I had roughly 5 different positions prior to becoming a career coach. In retrospect, it has served me well as I can relate to my clients who are going through a career transition. 

If this sounds like you, here are 3 fears to release when making a career change.

1. Fear of being a beginner again. 

I worked with a student who was afraid of starting over and not knowing anything. I asked, “When you first started your job, did you ask questions?” She nodded with an obvious yes. 

You have to start somewhere. Everyone starts from the beginning. If we allowed the fear of starting over to take over, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy what is on the other side — something we actually enjoy and get excited about again. 

2. Fear of failure. 

Most people will never start because the fear of failure stops them from even beginning the journey. Instead, focus on opportunities rather than failure. Yes, you may be afraid, but we often forget to think about all the new knowledge we can gain in the new industry. 

Be realistic. You cannot expect to know everything on day 1 of the new position, let alone, a drastic career change. In fact, allow yourself to be a student again. Absorb as much as you can and apply it. Make mistakes, it’s how we learn that helps us grow. 

3. Fear that it’s too late. 

Whether you’ve been working in the same industry for more than 10 years, have an unfinished college degree, or are looking for a new career challenge, you’re probably asking, “Is it too late to start over?” Simply put, it’s never too late. 

Life happens. Meaning, your values and priorities may have shifted. You may just be coming back into the workforce after being a stay home mother. Or, maybe you took time off to take care of a loved one. Give yourself permission to explore other careers that align to your new goals in life. 

Now that you have released these 3 fears, focus on this…

Get clear on your values. When we get clear on our values, it’s easier to plan out which potential careers that could work for you. 

Continue to stay curious about what is out there. What is missing in your current position that you’d like in your next position? What tasks would you like to implement? What tasks no longer excite you? 

Build a supportive network. For example, at Flatiron School, students are assigned a career coach for up to 180 days. Having someone help you along the journey of a job search helps tremendously with accountability, emotional support, and encouragement.  

About Riza Tantay

Riza Tantay was once an information technology recruiter turned career coach. After easily reviewing 100+ resumes and conducting interviews, her drive is to help others land jobs in companies they believe in. Through her courses and private coaching, she helps people navigate the job search with strategy and confidence. She is currently pursuing her MBA at the Jack Welch Institute to help advance visionary CEO’s build their dream team. Outside of her work, you’ll find her jet setting to different countries and exploring the world.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is current as of April 6, 2022. Current policies, offerings, procedures, and programs may differ.