‘Im paralysed by the fear of making the wrong career move’

Today I’m analysing the situation of Chelsea. Chelsea reached out via TikTok to share her very real and very personal fears about her next career move.

Chelsea’s reached a point in her career where she feels stuck. She’s mentally and physically in a job that feels "meh" to her, and she knows it’s time to make a change. 

The problem is, she’s paralysed by fear. 

What’s the challenge?

Chelsea’s challenge is that she’s mentally stuck. She’s in a job that no longer lights her up, but the fear of making the wrong decision again is holding her back. 

She’s afraid of repeating past mistakes and wants to ensure her next move is the right one. 

The fear is real, and it’s preventing her from taking action.

My advice

Here’s what I’d suggest Chelsea (and anyone else in a similar situation) consider:

1. Get Clear on Who You Are

Before making a move, you need to really know yourself. I’m talking about your personality, what drives you, and what you value. It changes over time (yes, even your personality!). That’s why it’s essential to keep checking in with yourself.

I always encourage my clients on the Creative Career Level Up program to take a personality test (a great free one is available at www.16personalities.com) and then analyse the results as they come across different roles. Ask yourself, Does this job align with who I am right now?

For example, if you’re someone who thrives on order and structure, a large, established company might suit you. If you love variety and fast-paced environments, a startup could be a great fit.

2. Understand Your Values

Values are your non-negotiables in life and work. They guide your decisions and help determine what’s important to you. If the values of your employer don’t align with your own, it’s going to be tough to stay engaged and happy.

Take some time to make a list of your top 6 values - things like respect, fun, loyalty, or connection. Then rank them from 1 to 6. 

This exercise forces you to figure out what’s most important to you and gives you clarity on what you need from your next job. 

When you know your values, you’ll make decisions guided by what you really need. 

3. Speak to Your Ex-Colleagues

Your past colleagues (especially former bosses) know you better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them for advice! 

They can give you fresh perspectives on what your next career step could be, and who knows, they might even have an opportunity waiting for you at their company. 

4. Take the Pressure Off

Chelsea is putting a lot of pressure on herself, and I get it. But sometimes, you just have to take the plunge. Trust that - even if things don’t go perfectly - you’ll be able to figure it out along the way.

I remember hearing a podcast where they talked about how Navy Seals approach getting lost. They say it’s better to keep moving and figure out your next step as you go, rather than sitting still. With every step forward, you learn more, which helps you make better decisions down the road.

So take the pressure off. Make that move, even if you’re unsure. You’ll figure it out as you go.

If you are ready to make your next move and would love someone to support you through it, the Creative Career Level Up might be the right support for you.