Feeling Anxious About Changing Jobs
I’m a 35-year-old CPA living in Canada, and I’ve spent my entire 12-year professional career at the same company. For the last three years, I’ve been an Accounting manager. However, over the past year, I’ve become increasingly frustrated with my work and the company’s strategic decisions.
About six months ago, I took on a temporary role to help launch a new initiative within the business. While the actual work isn’t difficult, the leadership, decision-making process (or lack thereof), and office politics are overwhelming. To be honest, I don’t enjoy my current job anymore, and I’ve recently realized the opportunities for future growth are pretty limited. I’m looking for a more hands-on role where I can oversee a variety of tasks, but it feels like there’s no clear path for that here. This has really taken a toll on my mental well-being.
I’ve started applying for new jobs, but whenever I get close to receiving an offer, I back out. I have a potential offer for a financial controller position coming next week that promises a pay increase, a larger team to manage, and great prospects for growth in a new industry. Despite this, I’m feeling overwhelmed with fear and guilt. I found great rapport with the managers during the interview, and they seemed genuinely interested in my background, yet I can’t stop questioning my decision: Am I making the right choice? Will I enjoy the new role? Will I be able to perform as well as I do now? What if my colleagues dislike my decision? It’s a constant cycle of dread.
Has anyone else experienced this sort of anxiety before? How did you cope, and what was your experience like?
One response
It’s completely normal to feel scared and overwhelmed when considering a job change, especially after being with the same company for so long. You’re not alone in this—many people experience similar feelings when facing the unknown.
It sounds like you’ve already taken a courageous step by applying for new positions and even getting close to an offer. That in itself is an achievement, and it shows that you have valuable skills and experience that are appreciated in the job market.
To help manage your fear and guilt, consider the following:
Reflect on Your Reasons: Take some time to write down why you want to leave your current job. Focus on the aspects that have been making you unhappy and how a new role might better align with your career goals and values. This can help clarify your motivations.
Visualize Your Future: Try to imagine what your work life would look like in the new position. Picture yourself thriving in that role, managing a larger team, and enjoying the challenges of a new industry. Visualization can help make the change feel less daunting.
Talk it Out: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or mentors. They can offer support, encouragement, and perhaps even insight that you haven’t considered.
Focus on Growth: Remember that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Embracing a new opportunity could lead to personal and professional development that you might not have realized you were missing.
Make a Plan: If you do decide to take the new job, create a plan for how you’ll transition. Think about what skills you may need to develop and how you can set yourself up for success in the new role.
Trust Yourself: You’ve been successful in your career so far, and the skills that got you there will serve you well in the next role. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel unsure; it’s all part of the process.
As for your specific fears, remember that every job comes with challenges, and it’s okay to seek a role that feels more fulfilling. Jobs are meant to help us grow and support our lives, not just occupy our time. Good luck with your decision, and try to keep in mind that this could be a positive step towards a more satisfying career!