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Overcoming Fear When Transitioning to a New Career Path

katerina@katerinalazaridou.com (Katerina Lazaridou) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:44:37 GMT

"Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change."

– Jim Rohn

Are you one of those people who has a good job that pays well in an industry for years with constant growth, and everything is going well, but inside, there is a deep feeling of unfulfillment? Do you not enjoy your work or feel like you are not using your full potential? It could be that you never really had that spark or desire that drew you to your job, leaving you to always wonder whether there was something else to pursue that would be of greater value to you.

Changing careers can be super exciting but also terrifying at the same time. Sticking with a job that never makes you happy because you’re afraid, can keep you stuck just on the career ladder, just like starting something new. Change may appear scary, but it’s usually the only way to discover a job that you’re really passionate about.

Here are some handy tips to help you welcome change, check out new possibilities, and confidently start fresh in a job that you love. We are here to help people making career changes, and navigate this journey with clear guidance and support.

Why Is Career Change So Scary? Understanding Your Fear

Getting cold feet or feeling scared when it comes to changing careers is more common than you think. There are a variety of concerns for everyone looking to switch careers, but usually, the following reasons are the main culprits.

· Fear of the unknown: What if you start off with a new job and eventually find out that it is nothing like you imagined?

· Financial worries: Leaving behind a stable paycheck and uncertainty about how you are going to manage finances can be a major reason for being overwhelmed

· Imposter syndrome: you might get a feeling like you’re not good enough or "qualified" for a new job in your desired scope.

· Fear of starting over: Stressing about losing your progress, experience, or status in your current career.

· Social pressure: Worrying about what your coworkers, friends, or family will think about your choice.

Understanding these fears is the first step you can take towards overcoming them. The best part is every one of these fears can be managed with the right mindset and approach.

Reframing Fear: Turning Anxiety into Confidence

The sensations of fear and excitement are more or less the same in our bodies. Rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, and adrenaline running through your veins. What differentiates the two is how you choose to look at them.

Instead of looking at the process of changing careers as a threat, try thinking of it as a one-time opportunity:

ü Fear of failure → an opportunity for growth and education.

ü Fear of financial instability → an opportunity for planning and building a safety net.

ü Fear of starting over → an opportunity for reinvention.

Just keep in mind that doing the same job that’s not right for you also has similar risks: burnout, unhappiness, and regret. Framing this differently helps you use your fear as fuel and not something that stands in your way.

Steps to Overcome Fear and Transitioning with Confidence

Fear grows when we are unsure, but taking clear steps can help you feel more in control during your career change. Here’s how to move forward confidently:

Step 1: Figure Out What You Truly Want

Before making big changes, think about what kind of work excites you. Ask yourself:

· What tasks or projects make me feel happy and fulfilled?

· What skills do I like using the most?

· What kind of work environment helps me do my best?

Step 2: Reduce Uncertainty by Researching

Fear often comes from not knowing. You can lessen this fear by gathering information:

· Look into industries and jobs that match your skills and interests.

· Talk to professionals in the field you are interested in.

· Explore job descriptions to find out skill gaps and see what’s required.

How to Make a Career Change Without Risking Financial Stability

People fear most for their finances when starting a new career path. The proper strategy lets you move to a new career while staying safe financially.

· Create a financial safety net – Prepare enough savings to cover your daily expenses for three to six months before starting your career change.

· Explore side gigs or freelancing – Try freelance projects in your new area while you stay at your present job.

· Adjust your lifestyle temporarily – Reshape your daily habits to make finances less stressful during your career shift.

Most importantly, changing careers does not always mean that you are starting from scratch. Many skills are transferable from one job to another, and sometimes, a move to the side or upskilling can help you earn a better opportunity in your desired scope without a substantial cut in your salary.

Real-Life Success Stories: Famous People Who Overcame Fear and Changed Careers

Let’s take a look at some of the most famous career changers that you might have already seen and know:

· Jeff Bezos – From Wall Street to E-Commerce: Before launching Amazon, Jeff Bezos worked as a finance professional on Wall Street and served as a hedge fund manager. But he couldn’t stop thinking about creating an online bookstore. So, he took a chance, quit his job, set up Amazon in his garage, and turned it into one of the biggest companies ever.

· Julia Child – From Government Worker to Celebrity Chef: Julia Child worked in U.S. government intelligence before she became a famous chef. She did not even start her cooking career until her mid-30s. After going to culinary school in France, she built an amazing career as a chef, author, and TV star, showing that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

· Harrison Ford – From Carpenter to Hollywood Star: Harrison Ford had a tough time breaking into acting. He built a living and conducted auditions through his carpentry work. His hard work eventually paid off when he landed the role of Han Solo in Star Wars, kicking off his incredible movie career.

Career Coaching: The Help You Need

We know that every career journey is different. Transitioning careers or discovering the right direction can seem intimidating, but you don't have to face it alone. Our coaching programs are designed to give you the support and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

We provide personalised career counseling to help you in uncovering your strengths, passions, and objectives. Whether you're uncertain about your next move or ready for a change, we're here to help you uncover the right path and take steps toward a more enjoyable career.

Visit https://www.katerinalazaridou.com/ to book your free consultation today. Do not hesitate to take the first step today!

Final Thoughts

Why keep hanging on to a job that doesn’t push you? Your desired job is a lot closer than you realise. The right support and determination can help you start fresh and utilise your true potential. Every journey kicks off with that first brave step.

Take Your Brave Step!

Let me help you find a career you’ll love. Check out https://www.katerinalazaridou.com/ to learn more.

Stuck in a Job You Hate? Here’s How to Break Free and Start Fresh

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:35:51 GMT

Did you know that 85% of people are unhappy with their jobs? If you are one of them, you are not alone, and there’s a way out.

Many of us can relate to the feeling of being trapped in a job we dislike, where Mondays are nothing more than a reminder of unsatisfying jobs and a dimming sense of motivation. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

We can guide you through actionable steps to break free, explore new opportunities, and start fresh in a career you love. We specialise in helping career changers navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.

Why Do People Stay in Jobs They Hate?

There are countless reasons why people remain in jobs they despise. Fear of the unknown, financial instability, a lack of confidence, or simply not knowing where to start can trap us in our current roles.

According to a recent survey of over 16,000 U.S. workers , approximately 50% are experiencing burnout in their current roles. This high level of burnout often correlates with job dissatisfaction, indicating that a significant portion of the workforce may be unhappy with their current job situations.

It can certainly be easier to stay within your comfort zone, but unfortunately, it can become too comfortable, and you may lose sight of your happiness and growth. The first step is recognizing you deserve better.

Signs It’s Time to Make a Change

How do you know if it’s time to move on? Here are some physical and emotional indicators:

Physical and Emotional Signs

· Persistent stress, exhaustion, or burnout

· Diminished enthusiasm or engagement in your work

· Feeling undervalued or unappreciated

Professional Considerations

· Limited opportunities for advancement or skill development

· A toxic or unsupportive work environment

· Misalignment between your role and your core values

If any of this resonates with you, it’s time to take the first step toward a career that excites you.

How to Break Free: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Self-Reflection and Assessment

The first step in making a career change is understanding yourself. Take time to reflect on what kind of work excites you, what your strengths are, and what type of environment allows you to thrive.

If you are feeling lost or unsure, career counseling can help you gain clarity. Speaking with an expert career coach can provide valuable insights and guidance. Many professionals change careers in search of more meaningful work, and self-reflection is the key to discovering what truly aligns with your goals.

Step 2: Explore New Career Paths

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, start exploring career options that match your skills and interests. Research different industries and job roles to see what fits you best. Networking is important, as well as connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, attending events, and joining industry groups to learn from others.

Talking to people in your desired field can give you valuable insights and new opportunities. Career counseling can also guide you in the right direction, helping you gain confidence and discover options you may not have considered before.

Step 3: Upskill and Build Confidence

Changing careers may require new skills, but you don’t have to start over. Focus on areas to improve and learn through online courses, workshops, or mentorship. Confidence is key, and a career counselor can help you see your strengths and overcome doubts. Every expert starts somewhere; invest in yourself to feel ready for the next step.

Step 4: Create a Strategic Plan

When you have a clear plan in place, it makes it easier to facilitate career transition. Identify short- and long-term goals and then enact formal actions to support those goals, like updating your CV, refreshing your LinkedIn account, and preparing for interviews.

Career coaches are great at helping you create a plan that will support your goals. When the plan is in place, you will be clear about your direction, which keeps you motivated to work steadily toward your ideal role.

Step 5: Take the Leap

Transitioning careers can be daunting, but making the leap is a pivotal step. The fear and uncertainty about what it will mean for you personally and professionally is a natural part of the changing process.

A career coach can help in both guiding and supporting you to make that transition. "The biggest risk is not taking any risk." Moving forward, even with small steps, brings you closer to a fulfilling career. Trust yourself, stay positive, and take the leap towards a better future.

Success Stories: Real-Life Career Changers

Did you know?

Around 83% of career changers report higher job satisfaction after making the switch.

Let’s look at some inspiring examples :

· AA's Story: I felt lost in my career and didn’t know where to start. Katerina helped me clear my thoughts, set a plan, and gain confidence. Now, I am in the happiest stage of my career.

· SA's Story: Katerina guided me in self-awareness and making better choices. Her support helped me balance change while accepting my daily realities.

· KS's Story: I struggled with time management, affecting my work and team. With Katerina’s help, I made simple changes that improved my efficiency and leadership.

How can a Career Coach Help

We know that every career journey is different. Changing careers or finding the right path can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Our coaching programs are designed to give you the support and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

We offer one-on-one career coaching to help you explore your strengths, interests, and goals. Our services include CV reviews to make sure your resume stands out, interview preparation to help you feel ready, and expert advice to guide you through your career transition. Whether you are unsure about your next step or ready for a change, we are here to help you find the right path and take action toward a more fulfilling career.

Wrapping Up

Life’s too short to spend it in a job you hate. With the right mindset and support, you can break free and start fresh. Remember, every successful career change begins with a single step. Why not take yours today?

Ready to take the first step? Visit https://www.katerinalazaridou.com/ to book your free consultation today.

Are you dreading returning back to the office after lockdown?

katerina@katerinalazaridou.com (Katerina Lazaridou) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 12:29:38 GMT

You are not alone! Various surveys suggest more than two thirds of employees are anxious about their transition back to the workplace.

Although there are quite a few companies that have postponed their return for the Fall, and all with the proviso that no other lockdowns will be coming their way, there are increasing calls from CEOs of large multinationals and Financial Institutions that publicly state the merits of a return to the workplace.

There are huge considerations about Employees’ Health and Safety , and the intricate logistics of who to bring back first and when, in order to ease headcount from day 1. A survey by PWC found that only one in five CFOs believe that their companies could resume business as usual within a month, if they could all go back tomorrow.

Boards of Directors and senior management have the primary role to navigate the task of returning to the workplace as smoothly as possible, but without employees accepting those well laid plans, all can run into trouble.

Flexibility and Empathy

It is important for Employers to actually listen to what their individual employees need for their wellbeing. It will certainly backfire, if the plans are to return to a pre-covid era, where no lessens were learnt from this experience. Employees want flexibility offered, in order to accommodate each individual’s needs. Some may face their shifts altered but due to their personal circumstances requiring for example daycare make the new shift regime impossible. Other office workers may value the work life balance, saving from long commutes, whereas others may want to return to a more structured workday, but want to be clear on what’s been asked of them and what their employers have done to protect their health.

Some employers have already announced some changes, like Fridays off, two-three days off with two-three days onsite, one month in a year working remotely from any location in the world, or unlimited leave (ie. Netflix and Deloitte), to name a few.

Communication

Communication to senior management of your individual circumstances is key, for your successful return. State clearly the benefits of your chosen way of work both to yourself but the company as well (ie. less commute, more productivity). Companies want to retain their employees’ loyalty and commitment and will want to adhere to their wellbeing. Those that do not, will have to face disillusionment, less productivity and eventual loss of employees.

Positive Vibes

As you will be interacting with a lot more people, a positive attitude and good planning can ease your anxiety. You can start connecting with a smaller group of coworkers, outside the office space, in order to establish connections again and make the first days back less awkward. Setting your personal boundaries and be mindful of your stress triggers can help. The transition adjustment may take a while, so allow yourself time to adjust back to a more regular workday. Focusing on the potential positives, like team interactions and reduced loneliness, will also help.

From your career perspective, it will definitely show how flexible you can also be and manage transitions well.

Stay Positive!!

Turn Challenges Into Possibilities

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:04:49 GMT

During these past couple of months, and as Europe immerses out of lockdown all scared and substantially scarred from the human loss and economic consequences, I am often asked “What now in terms of jobs lost?”. My immediate thought is that we must turn these unprecedendent times from challenges into possibilities.

Are you feeling anxious about what your future holds in your existing career? Have you been put on hold, unsure of the next steps the company you work in will take? You may have just completed your school or university and looking for your first step, or you may have lost your job.

Have a look at these four areas you can focus on:

1. Optimism

Although all economic predictions are bleak and you may find yourselves unsure about the future, a positive attitude is a must. It all depends on what experience you want to have during this period. It can be either a miserable one, shrugging your shoulders saying to yourself that everyone is in this situation, waiting for a miracle and someone to call you or knock at your door with a job offer or a more realistic approach, where you are proactive, taking your career journey in your hands and work on your next steps forward.

We all need to move forward and evolve. A small pause, to take stock of what was happening around us, was necessary and common. But sitting back and procrastinating thereafter, may be to our detriment, losing out of opportunities.

There is certainly something for everyone out there, and therefore the mindset should move from what you lost (if you lost your job or any good leads you had lined up to get one), to what skills you have gained so far in order to build on them and move forward.

2. Adaptability & Flexibility

The world and circumstances change rapidly, as the recent pandemic has clearly proved. Therefore, we need to continually update and refresh our skills in order to widen our opportunities. This period of self reflection can result in redefining who you are and what you do for work.

The first step would be to take stock of how you feel, what you value and what you have gained from your past experiences so far. Questions like “What am I good at?”, “What was my greatest success so far?”, “Why should others be led my me or employ me?”, “What do I know that they don’t?” should give some more clarity and insight towards new opportunities that you may have not thought of.

Repositioning yourself, identifying what can be used in other fields of work can result in a new role in a totally new industry, a career transition. For example, a waiter in the hospitality sector has developed skills like verbal communication, teamwork, customer service, high energy and physical strength, persistence, basic math, professionalism among others. A parent after a long break to raise a child, has good time management and organisational skills, is multi tasking, has good written and verbal communication, emotional intelligence among many other attributes.

3. Life Long Learning

We often hear that the careers of the future will be built on constant learning. Lifelong learning is important if we are to evolve and remain relevant in our career journey. Broadening our skills set should never stop!

We are fortunate to have so much free content online, a source of such breadth of knowledge in every field. Webinars abound, along with video presentations from sector specific platforms, can give you a more personal account of what a specific job or sector entails. Online IT training, for example in Excel or Powerpoint, from well known multinationals, can provide that next advanced knowledge we require for our dream job.

Reports indicating the advancements of AI (artificial intelligence) and a clear increase in demand for people with more advanced IT knowledge, can open more opportunities, like Programming and Coding, Data Analysis, Virtual Reality Applications, Digital Marketing.

Creativity and Innovation are also critical skills to develop. History has shown us that in periods of recession, a significant number of companies outperform because they invest in new growth areas. In the case of current pandemic, technology has allowed online education, remote access for most businesses, online orders in retail or hospitality in order to limit face to face interactions. Even Mercedes F1 has moved its operations into producing ventilators! We all adjust, innovate and grow.

Whether you are seeking your next promotion or you want to move to a new role or new industry, lifelong learning will provide those skills you need for that next step. Practicing those skills is equally important.

Experience can be gained through volunteering, entering into competitions or even shadowing someone who has that role already.

4. Promote your own brand

It is important to be aware of the impact you have to those you meet, either at interviews or any type of presentations. It is crucial to show you care and that you put some effort. On the other end of the spectrum, you have to acknowledge the difference between confidence and arrogance. So always do your research, practice your first approach when you approach others.

The above apply also to the digital image we give out. That first sentence we write describing ourselves at Linkedin is that first impression we give when we meet someone in person. All social media and groups we join have to be regularly audited so that we ensure we give the impression we want to the outside world.

Following a role model or a mentor at your current work can be an invaluable source of insight and advice. Reading about people you admire and their career path can also be motivating and insightful. Joining industry specific platforms and share your profile (ex Workathlon for the hospitality sector), can help to widen your connections.

Think about this period as one of inner reorientation, where you experience the world differently and opens you up to transformation. This way you will be ready for new beginnings.

I wish you good health, persistence and resilience in these difficult times!

*Image courtesy of www.searchcio.techtarget.com

Support yourself and your team during these challenging times

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 10:25:41 GMT

As COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the world, we all face something unique and unprecedented. We are all waiting eagerly for some good news from scientists regarding a cure or vaccine. This has certainly tested whole countries, down to individuals dealing with fear and changing their everyday life.

Although working from home has seen an upward trend over the past few years, during this crisis, we are all learning new ways to work, and in most cases in rushed unplanned circumstances.

No matter what the implications to our business will be and the colossal financial uncertainty we are all facing, how we react towards our teams, will have a long-term effect on our business continuity. A person who feels appreciated and cared for, will always do more than what is expected. A boss that stays positive, calm and addresses the risk to his/her employees’ wellbeing, will find that his/her loyal employees remain supportive, connected, focused and as a result even more productive.

Here are a few tips for a productive home working!!

Keep the team connected

It’s important to carry on work but still feel part of the team. Video conferencing is now easy to use, even if some of us are not that tech savvy. Chats online or over the phone with colleagues in our team are also important, as we would if we were physically in the office. Apart from briefing about work issues, sharing our mood, or fears about ours and our family’s health will ease the burden. Beware of the backdrops though, or interrupting kids, spouses, pets etc or attire. Let’s not give our colleagues more to talk about!

Create our new daily routine

It is essential to keep our day structured. Create a morning routine, set a schedule throughout the day, schedule breaks and keep in contact with our colleagues. Keeping a dedicated office space and setting ground rules for the other people we are sharing our home with, are few steps can help us stay productive and maintain balance.

Manage our Mental & Emotional health

In these times of stress and anxiety, keeping connected with our friends and families is also very important. Physical isolation doesn’t mean social distancing. Why not try to get back to all those emails or messages we never had time to respond before. Skyping, Facetiming or calling friends to check in on loved ones. It is important to keep our minds and bodies busy for our overall wellness. There are so many free apps or on line videos to help us exercise, practice mindfulness or yoga. Let’s read some more books, listen to music, cook our favourite food or do that puzzle we have been meaning to start for such a long time now but never had the time!

As we all adjust to our new daily routines, lets stay home and stay healthy!

Do we all need to develop highly scientific skills to understand AI?

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 11:06:21 GMT

The abundance of articles and reports bombarding us every day on the fast progress of artificial intelligence and its dominance in the world of work, leaves many people in a panic that they may be left behind and become unemployable!

I am not talking about the 40+ age group who have just about learnt to navigate some social media (not necessarily post!), but rather I see that unrest among young adults as well. Quite a few school aged children, deciding on their subjects and universities, are not born mathematicians nor are keen to learn about programming, engineering and cloud computing.

The same applies to graduates, who see that science backgrounds are the most sought after. Indeed, a most recent report presented at the World Economic Forum, in January 2020, stressed the need to reskill the world population. In fact, they claimed that 42% of core skills will change by 2022! In order to follow the job changes, we need to see which professions will be the fastest growing in the future.

These are the job clusters expected to see the most growth in the next few years.

Image: Jobs of Tomorrow: Mapping Opportunity in the New Economy (World Economic Forum)

All is not lost though, looking at the emergence of professions in need at the table presented at the forum. In fact, although we need to follow and work with technology, and yes AI, Data analysis and Engineering are the most in demand professions, there are all other areas that will remain relevant in the coming years. We will need to develop specialised skills on how we interact with each other. These skills include creativity, collaboration and interpersonal dynamics, as well as professions in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Care and Education.

For those people in the most at risk roles, the above professions should be seen as an opportunity, but willingness to reskill is necessary, in order to manage those transitions successfully.