Four "Fear Factors" of Changing Jobs

Feeling trapped by your career choices? Stuck in a line of work you hate? Whether it's a general feeling of dullness or a clear revelation that you're a marketing exec in a computer programmer's body, changing careers can be scary - so scary that many opt to continue doing work they don't enjoy or find satisfying.

Here are the top four fears that keep people from seeking a more rewarding career along with strategies to minimize risk and make a successful transition:

Fear Factor #1 - "I Don't Have Experience in My Desired Field"
Just because a line of work is different from what you're doing now, doesn't mean you aren't - or couldn't soon be - qualified to do the job. Oftentimes, people find they can build on core functional skills they already have.

Talk to at least three people who are doing the job you envision. Find out what skills, training and experience are needed and assess your own career and life experience to see where you match these requirements and where there are gaps. Then, put together a plan to close the gaps. The plan may involve an internship, taking classes, or volunteering to do related tasks for your present employer or a non-profit organization.

Remember, it's not uncommon for high-level executives to have rotated through a variety of disciplines in an organization. The key is to show how your assets and transferable skills would make you successful in the new position.

Fear Factor #2 - "I Can't Afford a Pay Cut"
Many people are reluctant to change careers because of financial responsibilities. There are a number of ways to manage this. First, don't feel you have to take the plunge all at once. You could put together a three- to five-year strategy that would gradually move you into a new profession. The strategy may include a financial plan to cut expenses, put money aside or find alternate funding, so that when you begin your new career, you can ride out a lean year or two.

Or, you could start a parallel career, where you keep your full-time job while working weekends or one night a week in your desired profession. (Those who have done this advise against discussing this with your primary employer.) By keeping your main job, you'll have a steady income while you build your credentials and gain experience to work full-time in your desired career.

Fear Factor #3 - "I'm Too Old to Change Careers Now"
Researchers and anthropologists strongly disagree with this notion - as does author Gail Sheehy, who has written extensively on the subject. In Passages, named by the Library of Congress as one of the ten most influential books ever written, Sheehy shows through case studies how those in mid-life and beyond have profoundly changed their lives and careers. According to Sheehy, instead of declining, men and women who embrace a "Second Adulthood" (ages 45-75) and even a "Third Adulthood" (75 and beyond) are progressing into lives of deeper meaning and renewed creativity. Her research shows it isn't uncommon for people to have three to five different careers in a lifetime.

Fear Factor #4 - "I'm Struggling to Get Through the Day. Where Would I Find the Energy?"
Begin with a vision; having a sense of purpose is a great source of strength. Then build a plan and surround yourself with people who support your goals. Don't let anxiety or other negative emotions control your thinking and drain your energy. Nurture your mental and physical health and take time each week to assess your progress toward your goal.

And remember to keep your expectations realistic; change doesn't happen overnight. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger used a long-range plan of volunteer work, community service and self-study to go from movie action hero to governor at age 56.

Face the Fear and Do it Anyway
If that's not enough to convince you to take your first step toward a career change, consider this: A study by Duke University found that people who enjoyed their work live longer. That's right. The top predictor of longevity - even more important than diet, exercise or good genes - is work satisfaction. So don't let fear be a factor. Start planning a longer, more satisfying future today!