Overcoming Barriers to Exploring New Careers: Steps Toward Growth and Change

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embarking on a new career path can be daunting, but change is the key to personal growth. This process can unlock one’s full potential and pave the way to achieving greater dreams.

A recent Microsoft study of 30,000 people revealed that 46% of workers are considering a career change or a major transition post-pandemic. While many are interested in exploring new career paths, they often fail to follow through. This is particularly true for women, who frequently face obstacles rooted in traditional gender roles perpetuated by patriarchal culture.

Here are five main barriers women often encounter when considering a career change and recommended solutions to overcome them:

Concerns About Professional Connections

Worries about losing or building new professional connections often become obstacles. Women frequently feel anxious about what to say when forging new relationships, facing gender bias, or losing contacts from their current profession that might be useful in the future.

Solution: Utilize existing connections to gradually expand the network into a new career. Build relationships with professionals in the desired field and seek advice from those who have successfully transitioned.

Overthinking

Questions like, “What will it be like at the new place?” or “Will I fit into the new career?” often flood the mind. Research shows that overthinking can diminish confidence and hinder the ability to see new career opportunities.

Solution: Focus on taking concrete actions. Gather information and prepare, but avoid overthinking without acting. Every small step taken will bring one closer to the goal.

Confusion in Determining the Next Step

Uncertainty about what job would bring more happiness often poses a significant challenge. Determining the next step can feel confusing.

Solution:

• Create a list of characteristics of an ideal job, such as compensation, work schedule, advancement opportunities, or desired tasks.
• Research various careers of interest through different sources.
• Compare the obtained information with desired priorities to find a suitable career path.

Financial Constraints

Starting a new career can be financially challenging, especially for those who are the primary breadwinners or have substantial financial obligations.

Solution: Plan a realistic monthly budget, begin investing and set aside money for savings to navigate the transition period.

Procrastination

Doubts about inadequate skills, work that cannot be left behind, or comfort in the current zone often lead to procrastination.

Solution: Take the first step, no matter how small, instead of continually delaying. Stepping out of the comfort zone may be frightening, but one will never grow by staying there. Change is indeed difficult, but by starting, one can grow more than ever imagined.

Good luck and keep striving!

References:

• What’s Stopping You from Reinventing Your Career?” Heather Cairns-Lee and Bill Fischer. Harvard Business Review, 2022.
• 5 Barriers to Career Change — and How to Overcome Them.” Herminia Ibarra, Kendall Smith, and Neil Courtis. Harvard Business Review, 2022.