Don’t Let Fear Be Your Decision Maker

We have many reasons that we choose “yes” or “no” when it comes to making a job change. Often, fear is the decision maker. Fear supports our decisions from what we are going to lose, rather than what we could gain. This causes many people to stay in jobs that they hate.

I can’t quit. This job is salary and gives me vacation time. What if I can’t find that again?

Instead, consider how your life, both personally and professionally, would benefit from quitting the job. You now have the opportunity to pursue a career that provides you with the lifestyle and culture that allows you to enjoy your work, and may allow you to learn new things to enhance future job opportunities.

Forbes Coaches Council addresses fear decision making, claiming that “the fear of making decisions and embracing change, whatever the consequences, will keep us stuck in place when we should be moving forward toward new experiences.” You could be missing out on any positive life experiences if you make decisions from fear.

Often, our reason for sticking in a job that we hate is for security – benefits, good pay, vacation time, etc. You might not want to enter the job search and “start over”, but any new growth has to have a starting point.

Mira Kaddoura, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Red & Co. claims that “security is an illusion”. At any moment, the company could go bankrupt or be sold. Your position will be lost and you may not be promised a severance plan. With this in mind, isn’t it worth finding a job that you love?

The following are the five worst reasons that people stay in jobs they hate. Each reason is led by fear and resistance to change.

1. Because it is secure
2. Because I like my coworkers
3. Because I am too old to find a new job
4. Because I don’t want to search for a job
5. Because I already know how to do the job

Working with a good Recruiter can help you find new opportunities and help you evaluate if these opportunities will help you get to where you want to go in your career, or to better fit your lifestyle. They can also help make the process much easier for you and less stressful.

I am a specialty Quality and Regulatory Recruiter for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. I can help high-qualified employees find a great job that fits their skill set. Contact me, Jeff King, at jking@rqfocus.com or (541) 639-3501.