“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Making a change in life can be scary, especially if you are stepping outside of your comfort zone. However, science has proven that significant achievement often happens when you take uncertain steps into a new and potentially scary world. If we had not taken these steps throughout history, we would still be living in caves and throwing rocks at dinosaurs, waiting around for someone else to discover fire. We would never have the light bulb, and we probably wouldn’t know that bacon goes great with everything.
Changing careers can be one of the most significant steps you take outside of your comfort zone. Most people tend to stay in their current careers, even if they are not happy, because they are frightened by the possibility of failure. They feel they cannot tempt fate, especially when they have a family to provide for. However, by staying in a job that doesn’t fulfill them, they miss out on exploring their full potential and may end up wondering years later, “what could have been.”
So, how can you know what you’re truly capable of if you never step outside of your comfort zone? The Yerkes-Dodson Law, discovered by psychologists in the early 20th century, explains that stress leads to achievement, but significant progress only happens when we take small steps outside of our comfort zones.
If you’re unhappy in your current job, taking small steps towards a new career can help you expand your comfort zone and eventually give you the confidence to make a bigger change. For example, you could try taking on a part-time job in a field that interests you or sign up for certification or classes to learn more about it.
Research has shown that small steps lead to significant change, and this applies to career changes too. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, people who took small steps towards changing their careers were more successful in finding a new job and had higher job satisfaction than those who made a sudden, drastic change.
Here are five tips for making a successful career change:
Identify your transferable skills: Look for skills that you’ve developed in your current job that could be applied to a new career. These could be things like project management, customer service, or data analysis.
Network and learn from others: Talk to people who work in the field you’re interested in and ask them about their experiences. Attend industry events or join online communities to learn more about the industry and make connections.
Be patient and persistent: Changing careers takes time and effort. It’s important to be patient and persistent in your search for a new job. Don’t give up if you don’t find your dream job right away. Keep taking small steps towards your goal, and eventually, you’ll get there.
Consider taking on a side project: A side project can be a great way to gain experience and test the waters in a new field. It can also help you build a portfolio or demonstrate your skills to potential employers. You could start a blog, volunteer for a nonprofit, or offer your services to friends or family.
Invest in your education: If you’re looking to make a significant career change, you may need to invest in your education or training. Consider going back to school or taking online courses to learn new skills or earn certifications. This can demonstrate your commitment to your new career and make you a more competitive job candidate.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking small steps towards a career change can lead to significant achievements and a more fulfilling life. Don’t be afraid to explore new possibilities, and remember that success takes time and effort.
