Managing Fear of the Unknown As You Plan Your Career Transition
I recently read a powerful article in The Atlantic called “The Happiest Way to Change Jobs”. Author Arthur C. Brooks shares that the single biggest factor holding people back from making a career change is fear of the unknown. He outlines several evidence-based strategies for navigating this fear—like keeping realistic expectations about what a career shift can and cannot solve, and focusing on happiness outside of work instead of tying your self-worth entirely to your professional identity.
But his most compelling point? People tend to be happiest when they choose to “jump” into a new career instead of waiting to be pushed by external forces. Voluntary change often leads to greater satisfaction, because it places you in the driver’s seat of your life.
(Let’s pause here to acknowledge something important: this kind of agency is a privilege. If you’ve been pushed out of a job you loved—through layoffs, restructuring, or other unexpected changes—I see you.)
There’s No Perfect Moment to Make a Career Move
This is such a helpful reminder for those of us dreaming about a career change but constantly telling ourselves that now just isn’t the right time. Here’s the truth: there is rarely a “perfect” moment to make a career transition. Life doesn’t always deliver that magical alignment of timing, energy, and clarity.
So what can you do when fear is keeping you stuck?
How Career Coaching Helps You Move Through Fear
One thing Brooks doesn’t address—but I see every day in my coaching practice—is how valuable it can be to have a compassionate, knowledgeable career coach by your side.
A coach can:
Act as an honest, impartial sounding board
Help you clarify your values, strengths, and needs
Break the process into small, achievable steps
Help you manage fear and anxiety with empathy, not shame
Encourage curiosity over perfection, so you can reframe bumps in the road as opportunities to learn
When we lead with curiosity and self-compassion, the unknown becomes a little less intimidating—and a lot more manageable.
My Approach: Strengths-Based and Life Design Career Coaching
I use a combination of strengths-based coaching and life design principles to help clients navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. This framework offers a structured yet flexible way to explore possibilities, identify your best-fit path, and take action—without losing sight of who you are as a whole person.
If you’re managing fear about a possible career change—or if change has already been thrust upon you—know that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Ready to Move Forward?
Want to learn more about how life design and strengths-based career coaching can help you manage fear of the unknown and move toward a more fulfilling career?
Reach out and we’ll talk about it together!
