Why Are Career Changes So Difficult?

Our individual choice of a career is often an aspect of life that has been afforded considerable time and thought directed at a professional and personal fulfillment. On occasion, due to circumstances far beyond the grasp of our control, many among us find ourselves in the precarious position of having to seek new employment quickly through no fault of our own. Any number of reasons are attributable for the change, from the current sluggish economy to outsourcing, but the fact remains a career change is imminent and we have few options but to adapt to the circumstances as best as we are able. Fortunately for most people, with time and distance from our former positions we are able to conform to the career change and progress in our professional development.

When changing positions in an established career there are often a new set of skills that need to be mastered, perhaps in an area totally foreign to our previous positions. While some aspects of a new position may be a simple matter to conquer, others may be quite difficult and stressful. Self-doubt creeps into the equation, as we may begin to wonder if we have the ability to adapt and change in the circumstance we find ourselves encountering. Our individual age and energy levels may come into question in determining if we are truly suited to perform adequately in a new employment environment with a new set of mental or physical demands placed upon our capabilities.

It is very possible that the reason why career changes are so difficult is mainly because of the pressure we place upon ourselves relentlessly to succeed. We are often less forgiving of our own mistakes and shortcomings, and position ourselves to absorb much more duress emotionally than a new career move demands.