Contributed by Deborah A. Bailey
Are you procrastinating instead of looking for a new job, or changing careers? Often people will procrastinate because they’re afraid of making a mistake and choosing the wrong thing. They think that they’ll waste time going into a new career only to find they don’t like it. Fear of making a decision can keep you frustrated and stuck in a job you don’t want to be in.
There are no guarantees that the new job or career you go into will be everything you are expecting. If it’s something that you have no experience in, it will be hard to tell beforehand if it will be the right move for you. However, there are some steps you can take to move forward.
• Research the new job or career using the internet or your local library.
• Interview people you may know who are already doing that type of work.
• If you’re looking for a job with a non-profit, find out if there are any volunteer opportunities available so that you can get an idea of what the work is like.
• Create an action plan of what it will take for you to prepare to change careers and go into a new industry. Would you need an advanced degree or specialized training?
• Look at salary information. Determine if you’d have to take a reduction in pay in order to work in your new field.
You can end procrastination by taking a realistic look at your options. Would you have to relocate in order to work in your new career? Do you have enough saved up in case you have to take a pay cut? If you have an idea of the pros and cons involved in getting a new job or making a career change, it will help your decision making process.
It is possible you’ll find that making a change won’t work for you right now. You may have to wait until you have more funds saved or until you can sign up for classes. Or, based on your research, you may find that the job or career is really not what you thought it was. If that happens, consider your other options. Are there any jobs related to your current field that you can look for? If you stay in your present job, can you find opportunities for growth?
Sometimes we don’t look at all the possibilities because we are so sure there is only one path to take. When we resist taking that path, it’s often because deep down we really aren’t sure about it. That’s when procrastination begins. Instead of making a decision, we go in circles. We become so fearful of making a mistake that we stay stuck.
Don’t let procrastination stop you from reaching your goals. You’ll never know what will happen if you don’t take at least one step to move forward. Do your research and don’t get stuck in fear of making the “wrong” choice. If you take action you will open yourself to opportunities and one day that dream job will become a reality.
Copyright © 2008 Deborah A. Bailey
About the Author
Transition Coach and writer Deborah A. Bailey successfully transitioned to career consultant and coach by founding her company Deb Bailey Coaching. Her extensive personal experience in the employee to entrepreneur transition makes her the partner of choice for many successful entrepreneurs and career professionals. Deborah is the host of “Women Entrepreneurs – The Secrets of Success,” a weekly Internet radio talk show where she provides candid discussions with today’s top entrepreneurs, authors and industry experts. She has been interviewed on radio stations around the country and has published in Baseline magazine and on Bankrate.com. Learn more and sign up for her Personal Power Connection newsletter at http://www.dbaileycoach.com.
