6 Reasons People Are Afraid to Change Careers (and How to Overcome Them)

A career change can be a daunting prospect, filled with uncertainties and fears. Whether you're considering a transition into tech or looking to upskill for better career prospects, there are a number of concerns you might face that would prevent you from taking the steps to achieving a better career path.

Keep reading to address some of the common concerns we hear from people every day who are in the midst of a career transition.

6 Reasons People Don’t Career Shift

1. Financial Concerns:

The fear of financial instability is palpable when considering a career change. These financial concerns can take a number of different forms, including:

• Lack of prospects in the job market

• Needing to leave your current role while you change jobs

• Paying to acquire certifications or other skills needed to pivot to a different industry

These financial concerns are often the biggest barrier for career changers to overcome. Luckily, there are more resources available to achieving career growth and acquiring the new skills necessary to make a career switch — many of which are affordable or even free, as is this case with the tech industry.

2. Lack of Skills or Experience:

Transitioning to a new career in tech can seem daunting, especially if you lack the necessary skill set or experience.

Achieving the skillfulness you’ll need to step into a new role and to take on new challenges as you assess your possible career options can take a lot of time, money, and patience. In many cases, this can have an impact on your personal life and even your mental health.

The good news? Everything is temporary, and that time and money you’ll spend investing in these new skills will lead to serious professional growth. In addition, the expertise you have in your current career doesn’t get lost in the transition: transferable skills will go a long way in securing new job opportunities.

At App Academy, we encourage our students to embrace what they’ve learned in a current job or a previous work environment while they gain the skills needed for the new field of software development.

Whether you participate in an App Academy bootcamp program or our free coding courses, our rigorous curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry experts, is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge demanded by top tech employers. Through hands-on projects, real-world challenges, and personalized mentorship, you'll gain the confidence and expertise needed to thrive in the tech industry, regardless of your background.

See also: How to Land Your First Tech Job

3. Family or Social Pressure:

Family expectations and societal norms can hold a powerful influence on your career decisions.

However, at App Academy, we encourage you to pursue your passion for tech and for a career with better work-life balance: even if it deviates from conventional paths.

Our supportive community of like-minded individuals and dedicated career coaches will help you navigate any external pressures and stay focused on your goals. With App Academy, you're not just joining a bootcamp—you're becoming part of a supportive network that champions your success.

4. Fear of Failure:

The fear of failure is a common barrier to making a career change. Remember: failure is not the end – it's an opportunity to learn and grow in your career goals.

At App Academy, we embrace a growth mindset, where mistakes are viewed as valuable learning experiences. You’ll be well prepared to tackle tough interview questions during the job search and know how to navigate all of the nuances of the tech industry, from picky recruiters to a tricky company culture.

Negative self-perceptions and self-doubt can hinder your progress towards a career change. Overcoming those mental barriers can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved well-being, and a more fulfilling career.

Part of becoming a career changer is learning how to break down those barriers of doubt and failure, especially feelings of imposter syndrome that tend to arise when working in a new field or new industry.

Our comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and job placement assistance, are designed to help you overcome setbacks and land your dream job in tech. With our guidance and support, you'll have the resilience to navigate any challenges that come your way.

5. Limited Networking Opportunities:

Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement, but building connections in a new industry can be challenging. Building your network can feel like a full-time job.

Knowing how to navigate social media channels like LinkedIn is pivotal to career success, and it’s a big part of any career transition to learn those unique skills.

See also: 8 Careers You Can Get After a Coding Bootcamp

6. Geographical Constraints:

Relocating for a new career is a major constraint for career changers, especially if you have family or other ties to your current location. Luckily, the rise of remote work and distributed teams has removed many of the geographical constraints career changers face, especially those seeking employment in the tech industry.

Learning the skills necessary to make a career shift is also more distributed than ever with online courses and remote bootcamps allowing you to pursue tech education from anywhere in the world.

Squash your toughest career change concerns at App Academy

At App Academy, we understand the concerns of career changers intimately. As a leading coding bootcamp dedicated to democratizing tech education, we recognize the barriers that may be preventing you from making that pivotal career move.

Here, we challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities for learning and self-discovery.

Our immersive learning environment pushes you to tackle real-world challenges, experiment with cutting-edge technologies, and push the boundaries of your knowledge. With our supportive community and transformative curriculum, you'll emerge from your comfort zone stronger, more resilient, and ready to seize the countless opportunities awaiting you in the tech industry.

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