Our relationships with our employers are just like any other relationship – we go through the tough times as well as the good times together. Unfortunately, there are times when it’s easier to leave the relationship behind than to fix it; and just like with interpersonal relationships, leaving our current job behind can sometimes seem daunting.
Here we take a close look at four common reasons why fear can stop you from leaving your job and how to take your career to the next level.
Employer loyalty
Have you ever been in a situation where you work for someone wonderful, but for whatever reason, your career cannot progress? It’s a horrible feeling, knowing that you’re going to have to let down someone who’s helped nurture your skills and helped develop your job into a career; but failure to do so will eventually lead to frustrations, resentment and a toxic relationship, which might result in underperformance.
The thing to bear in mind here is that your employer will not hold your actions against you. Most people in managerial positions can make the distinction between personal and business, and they will understand that they’ve helped your career progress as far as it can and that it’s time to move on.
Fear of change
They say the only constant is change, and this is as true for our working lives as it is for our day-to-day interactions. It’s so easy to fall into a routine and think that things will never change. The idea of shaking things up can seriously put people off the idea of leaving, even if they’re working in a toxic environment.
Don’t let this complacency get to you though – only by pushing the boundaries will you grow as a professional. The risk is often worth the pay-off, and the fear of being the office newbie shouldn’t turn you off to the idea of starting anew.
Financial Insecurities
Leaving your job for an uncertain future is scary, especially if you have dependents to think about or financial responsibilities such as a mortgage. If you’re thinking of a career change and are facing this fear, just think about what planted the idea to move – and make sure to keep focused on just that.
Lack of support
Very often the resistance to change doesn’t come from us but from those closest to us. At the end of the day, remember that it’s YOUR career, and YOU need to be happy in the position you find yourself. Staying in a job due to outside pressures will only lead to resentment, causing problems in your personal relationships, in addition to your professional ones. Try sitting down and calmly explaining your reasons for wanting to leave. If they really care about you, they will come to understand, prioritise your happiness, and support you.
Whatever your reason for wanting to leave your job, once you’ve faced your fears it’s time to look to the next step – the job search. Recruitment agencies can assist; and will be able to offer advice on how best to leave your current role, especially if you’re struggling to break the news and make the transition. The best thing you can do, as with any aspect of your professional development, is to reach out for help from the experts.
Ready to face your fears? Ceek Recruitment is here to help. We can provide the support you need to take your career to the next level!