Changing Careers May Be Scary

From an ‘Advice’ column by Carolyn Hax, printed by the Philadelphia Inquirer 5/14/22:

Question:

I lost my job last year in a field I loved. Now I am applying for positions I’ve never done before, but hope I have something to contribute. The problem is, I’m terrified to the point I think I will fail and I’m being a fraud for even going down this path. 

I’m middle-aged and part of me says it’s time for a change but I sure am scared. Any help and suggestions would be much appreciated.

Response:

Wait a sec. You are applying for jobs you want to do and would take if you got them. OK, so far. If you get the job, you will do the work to the best of your ability. OK there, too. If you can’t do the work, then your new employer will either train you or re-assign you or let you go. That’s all part of the process, too.

If you are representing yourself honestly in the job applications, where is the fraud?

Now, the fear, I understand. Change is hard. But that’s the same for everybody, not just you. And the biggest thing to fear, to me, is listening to the fear, allowing it to persuade you not to try. That’s the scariest outcome there is. 

So, you’re doing great as far as I can tell. You’re scared and you’re still trying. In certain circles, that is ‘bad-assery’, in fact. Good luck with your search.