The Number One Fear That Stops People From Receiving Career Coaching Support
There are all kinds of fears that stop people from working with a career coach. Fears about cost, fears about the time investment, and even fears that doing the work won’t change anything. But do you want to know the number one fear that I’ve heard from clients over my last 5.5 years as a career coach for high achievers?
Fear that it will work.
Now, this may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out…
Many people are excited about the idea of career support in general, but when they start to think about the implications of doing that work, they begin to clam up. “Wait a second…this means I might have to ***gasp*** change things?”
As much as these individuals want to make a change in their career (hence why they reached out in the first place), they’re secretly scared. Because even though they’re feeling unfulfilled, burned out, or unhappy in their careers, at least they know what they’re up against! The secret fear that these folks hold is really the fear of the unknown. As one of my EA alums put it, “I’m at a 6 out of 10 in terms of career happiness. If I was a 2 out of 10, it would be a lot easier to make a change, because I’d be miserable! In this situation, I know I could be happier, but I also know it could be worse.” Ultimately, she was fearful that if she opened up Mystery Door B, instead of hanging out comfortably behind Door A, which she already knew, she’d end up regretting it.
A big factor as to why this fear is so prevalent for the folks I work with is because they’re high achievers. My clients tend to have pretty awesome jobs that they’ve worked hard to attain. They’ve put years towards reaching the “successful” heights they’re at, and even if they’re not super happy at their jobs, they’re hesitant to give that up!
Take Jessica*, who was feeling “off” at her role at Google. She had worked hard for her position, and it felt really good to secure her spot at a major tech company in the Bay Area. When we started working together, Jessica felt grateful for her role, but simultaneously stressed. She wanted more engagement from her career, but she wasn’t sure how to accomplish that. Would it require her giving everything up? Jessica felt that her identity was partially attached to being in tech.
So of course, when it came to working together, Jessica was excited, yet scared. She knew that she felt lost, and like she wanted more from work. She also had the same apprehension as most of my clients, worried about the implications of our work. “Will I have to give up the career I worked so hard for?”
The good news for Jessica*, though, and the good news for you too, is that unknown doesn’t necessarily mean bad. She opened Mystery Door B, and it wasn’t complete chaos. In fact, once Jessica* was able to figure out what a fulfilling, aligned career looked like for her, she discovered that she was able to craft her career internally, without having to say goodbye to the Goog. She changed teams, and was able to find something that was a fit for her. What a relief!
And it’s not just Jessica* who felt fearful of the implications of exploring career fulfillment.
It’s Ashley*, who worked as a hospital director
It’s Emily*, a successful lawyer
It’s Sarah*, who worked at a major tech company
Each of these clients was nervous. They wanted to do this work, but they also felt fearful. They weren’t sure if they’d have to give up their successful but unfulfilling jobs. They didn’t know if they’d have to go back to school to do something they liked more. They just…didn’t know.
And even though they didn’t know what they were in for, each of these clients ultimately decided to trust themselves, and the pull they felt to feel happier at work. And each of the clients were happy they did in the end.
All of that is to say: if you feel excited but simultaneously terrified about doing this work, you’re in good company. It’s common to be fearful of the unknown! What if it turns out to be scary?
But, what if instead, it turns out to be so much better than you even imagined?
For me, that’s a bet I’m always willing to take ;)
P.S. If you’re nerve-cited, but ready to explore what a more engaging, aligned career could look like for you (potentially without even changing companies), apply for a free call here to explore working together! I’ve got your back.
*all names were changed in this post to protect the privacy of my clients :)