Your motivations aren’t healthy
It is important to know why one is looking for a change in career prospects. Taking a new job to sidestep criticism from family and friends or hiding the decision altogether are also bad signs you’re making an escape-based choice that you could regret in the future. One should not also opt for career changes because she wants to make her co-worker jealous.
If you find yourself venting to anyone who will listen ranging from your mom to a stranger on the bus or indiscriminately seeking advice, you’re likely being driven by fear. This type of “polling” behavior is done in an attempt to feel better. You seek external validation that you’re doing the right thing. But you essentially outsource your decision making to other people when you ask everyone for advice instead of becoming self-reliant. It’s important to learn to trust yourself.
You have to talk yourself into it
You may find the pep talks you give yourself turning into last-resort trumpet songs. Your self-talk may include some version of the phrase, “Well, at least I…”
- “Well, at least I have a job…”
- “Well, at least I’ll be making more money…”
- “Well, at least it will technically be a promotion…”
- “Well, at least I won’t look stupid for passing off this opportunity…”
This type of anxious internal dialogue, called intellectualization, is a common response to anxiety. Because strong emotions can be uncomfortable, we overly focus on facts and logic.
While being rational and using reason can, of course, be a great thing, it can also signal denial. Deep down, you know your possible career choice might be a bad idea. This isn’t a productive frame of mind for making decisions about a career move because you’re talking yourself into something you don’t truly believe is right for you.
A feeling of restlessness
The complicated nature of a significant career decision might make you feel completely preoccupied or keep you up at night tossing and turning. Any career transition can send you for a loop and make you feel restless. However, it’s the promise of learning new things that should be the motivator for you.
Whether it’s taking on a promotion or starting a company, you might feel far outside your comfort zone, but you’ll also feel excited about everything you’ll learn.
Big decisions come with uncertainties Learning to balance your head and heart is an ongoing process. Take the false pressure off of yourself to know all the right answers, right now. It is important to be confident about one’s career choices because your career path is always evolving.
