What holds you back?

What holds you back?

Hello, and thanks for reading my blog this month which is on Fear and what motivates us to change our job. 

When I speak to my friends about their jobs I often hear that they really are not happy doing what they’re currently doing.  Being a curious person, this made me want to know more and if it’s just my circle of friends or if you out there dear reader feel the same.  Are you happy and if you’re not, why aren’t you happy at work, what is it that causes you to feel that way?  Are you able to have an open and honest conversation with your employer to try and alleviate some of the problems/concerns/issues you face, if you’ve done this and you’re still not happy then more importantly, what keeps you there?  

I’m actually asking the question, if the above resonates with you then I want to know, why do you stay put?   Why aren’t you out exploring other opportunities?  There are a lot of roles out there. 

I suspect that there may be a few reasons why you stay put and one might be feelings of anxiety about finding a new job.  I know that the team here, myself included completely get what you’re feeling, regardless of the reasons you want to leave or have left. 

Anxiety stops us from moving forward.  Can you define what it is that causes you to feel anxious when thinking about changing your job? Is it the actual looking for the job, trawling through newspapers, websites looking for what you think you’re able to do, might be that you find that overwhelming?  Is it having to fill in application forms?  Perhaps, it’s feeling that you won’t get your CV just right and tailored for each job.  Maybe all of these are a breeze for you but it’s actually the interview that causes you to have anxiety.

If it is the interview then I completely understand that thought process, especially if you’ve not job hunted in a while.  Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a way to get a new job without having to interview for it! For some people the thought of an interview will really affect them and it can get to the point where they can't get to sleep the night before.  I know that was the case for me.

I am not a control freak by any stretch of the imagination, but when I walk into an interview I always feel vulnerable, most of that feeling is because I have no idea what is going to happen, what questions I might get asked, how they will perceive me, will they take my nerves into consideration when they talk about me post interview. Obviously, we want to come across well, and for the people in front of us to recognise that we will definitely be able to bring a dynamic and needed skill set to the organisation and that adds to the stress we feel. 

I tend to be a positive person, so what I tried to keep in my mind during the whole process is I know my strengths, I was honest with what I put in my CV or on the application form (actually, truth be told I probably downplayed my skills).  I went in with the mindset that I was going to have a chat about something I’m an expert in, me and the work I do. It’s also about remembering that it’s OK if you don’t get offered the job.  There’s an old saying, ‘what is meant for you won’t pass you by’ and I believe in that.

Whatever reason you are ‘stuck’ then Park are here to help.  By registering with us you have a team of supporters in your corner, all wanting you to find your happy (aka the right job).  Our team will help you every step of the way.  From doing the search for the roles for you, tailoring your CV, and if you need it, we can do interview prep with you too.  Don’t stay in a job you’re not happy in, come and see us, let us take the stress out of job seeking from you.