The top blockers to change and how to use them to your advantage

Career change can feel uncertain, confusing and incredibly overwhelming. But too often these fears and assumptions stop us from going after the things we really want. These are the top seven blockers that get in the way and stop people from making progress and finding meaningful work. If you’re interested in learning more about practical solutions to overcome your own personal blockers, find out more about our Career Change Accelerator Programme.

The top 7 blockers and how to overcome them 

1.Unclear direction

What if I don’t know what I want?

To overcome the barrier of unclear direction, begin by reflecting on your core values and passions, which often provide valuable insights into potential paths. Experiment with various interests by engaging in different activities, courses, or volunteer opportunities to explore what resonates with you. Break down your journey into manageable steps by setting small, achievable goals, allowing for incremental progress and self-discovery. Look to friends, family, mentors, or professionals for advice and inspiration, those who have navigated similar uncertainties, learning from their experiences. It’s important to embrace uncertainty as a natural part of the journey and practice self-compassion, acknowledging that clarity often emerges gradually over time. 

2. Career suicide 

What if I regret the change?

Consider that staying stagnant may also lead to regret, as you might miss out on potential growth and fulfillment. Reflect on the reasons behind your desire for change and the potential benefits it could bring to your life and career. Evaluate the risks and rewards of both staying in your current situation and pursuing the change. Remember that regrets are a natural part of life, and taking calculated risks can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth. Ultimately, trust in your ability to make informed decisions and adapt to whatever outcome arises from your choice.

3. Imposter syndrome 

What if I feel like a fraud?

Recognise that imposter syndrome is a common experience, affecting many ambitious individuals who are striving for success. Remind yourself of your accomplishments, skills, and the value you bring to your work. Challenge negative self-talk by focusing on evidence that contradicts feelings of imposter syndrome. Seek validation and feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors who can offer an objective perspective on your abilities and contributions. What’s key here is to embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than indicators of inadequacy. Remember that feeling like a fraud doesn't mean you are one, and continue to push forward with confidence in your abilities and potential.

Skills Gap

4. What if I don’t have the skills? 

If you don't have the required skills, view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a barrier. Identify the specific skills needed for the desired change and create a plan to experiment and learn through courses, training programmes, or on-the-job learning. Leverage your existing strengths and experiences as a foundation for acquiring new skills. Lastly, remember that many employers value adaptability and a willingness to learn, so demonstrating your commitment to self-improvement can be an asset in itself. 

5. Self-doubt

What if I’m not able to do it?

Acknowledge that self-doubt is a common feeling, especially when facing new challenges or changes. Counteract self-doubt by focusing on past achievements and instances where you've overcome obstacles. Break down the change into smaller, manageable tasks, allowing you to tackle them one step at a time. Surround yourself with those who support your desire for change. THis means like-minded people who understand why you’re feeling unfulfilled or stuck in the first place and who will challenge you to make progress. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that it's normal to feel uncertain and by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Finally, remember that growth often occurs outside of your comfort zone, and by pushing through self-doubt, you may discover newfound abilities and resilience.

6. Social pressure

What if my friends & family think this is the wrong move?

Consider that your friends and family may have your best interests at heart, but ultimately, you are the one who knows what is best for your life and career. These difficult conversations often aren’t as scary as they appear inside our heads.Communicate openly with them about your reasons for wanting to make the change and the potential benefits you see in it. Listen to their concerns and perspectives, but also trust your own judgment and intuition. Remember that it's natural for people to have different opinions, and their views may not necessarily align with your own goals and aspirations. 

7. Financial insecurities 

What if I run out of money?

Addressing financial insecurities is crucial when contemplating change. Begin by creating a detailed budget to understand your current financial situation and identify areas where you can potentially reduce expenses or increase income. Consider building an Escape fund with clear milestones for action and change that’s tailored to your specific needs and value. provide a safety net during times of financial uncertainty. You may want to explore alternative sources of income, such as freelance work or part-time employment, to supplement your finances while making the transition. Finally, develop a realistic timeline for your transition, taking into account your financial goals and obligations.

If any of these blockers resonate with you, you may be interested in our Career Change Accelerator programme, where we work through practical solutions to help Escapees overcome their own personal blockers. Having helped over 2,000 Escapees get unstuck and find their purpose, the programme is relaunching 2024. To find out more, visit this link. 

How to use your blockers to your advantage: An exercise 

What are your Blockers - the real and perceived things standing in your way?

• Write down at least 3 and at most 10 blockers
• Rank your Blockers from 1-10 (1 = biggest blocker, 10 = smallest)
• Circle your top 3 Blockers
• Turn your top 3 Blockers into To-Dos

For example if a Blocker is “I don’t have the skills to do XYZ”, how can you retool and obtain the skills you need? Or hire someone who has those skills to help you? If a Blocker is “my parents will be disappointed if I leave my safe job”, it’s likely that you need to have some honest conversations with your parents. (Who knows...maybe your parents just want you to be happy, not miserable in a job you hate?)

If a Blocker is “I don’t have enough money to take a career break”, your To-Do might be to create an Escape Fund, decrease your outgoings and/or increase your savings to give yourself the freedom of time away from work. Will any of these things happen overnight? Not likely. Can you deliberately chisel away at your Blocker To-Do list over time? Absolutely.

Of course, addressing Blockers is far from easy. It’s tempting to let them stop you dead in your tracks. But that will only keep you stuck. Instead, allow them to be a helpful reminder of the real things you need to address in your life. If a direction scares you, it's likely it leads to what excites you most.

Don't settle. Use your Blockers as a guide and keep making small steps forward. We delve deep into Blockers and the many different ways of dealing with them in our Career Change Accelerator programme.