Overcoming the Obstacles: How to Conquer Common Career Development Challenges

Did you know 60% of Americans have been unhappy in their current jobs and are thinking about a career change? Thinking about making a career change is one thing, but taking action is another. So, if you have career goals in mind but don’t know how to achieve them, how can you overcome them? 

You might be volunteering every week in your field of choice but aren’t getting your dream job or applying daily for jobs yet aren’t receiving any correspondence. Where should you begin? This article will be a quick guide to common career development challenges and how you can progress faster.

Common Career Development Challenges

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Working in the same field for decades isn’t always for everyone, but changing careers can come with a lot of anxiety. What are some of the most common challenges when wanting to do something different, and how can you overcome them?

Changing career paths

It is always a bold decision to change from one career to another, and this can be challenging if you’re unsure where to go next. What do you study now, and how do you successfully transition with the skills you’ve developed for years?

If you’ve been a teacher in middle school and are deciding to become a family nurse practitioner, you might be overwhelmed with the demanding overnight shifts and medical expertise needed. 

As scary as it seems to try something out of your comfort zone, it’s important to be open to learning and professional growth: think about studying for a Post Master’s FNP Certificate if you’re hoping to upskill and expand your qualifications. 

Staying up to date on industry trends, joining a support group, reading books, and volunteering can enhance your professional knowledge, expand your network, and develop new skills. These activities keep you competitive and adaptable and open up potential career advancement opportunities.

Financial issues

Does your ideal career pay significantly less than your current job? You might be a lawyer who wants to work at an animal shelter instead of the 9 to 5 grind, and that’s okay. It’s common to doubt whether it’s right to focus on money or your true passion, especially when it will affect you money-wise. 

Consider creating a plan for finances or speak to a financial advisor to balance out your expenses. You could put together a longer-term goal of paying off student loans or volunteering for hands-on experience.

Dealing with burnout

Burnout happens, even when working in a career you’re truly passionate about, and this can cause a lot of frustration on where you want to go moving forward. If you feel unmotivated to keep kicking professional goals, what might be causing it?

If you’ve decided to take on extra office days instead of working from home, this could be affecting productivity levels, so it’s important to bring up any management concerns. 

You could request time off to recoup your feelings and get back on track. But if you’re feeling dissatisfied with your career choices as a whole, you might want to start thinking about how your skills and experience can be used elsewhere. It’s never a bad idea–if it’s affordable–to take some time to study something new.

Doubt after a promotion

Being promoted or getting a raise can be exciting, but it can also come with uncertainty in a new role. For example, when taking on a more senior position, you might have doubts about how you can manage a team, or speak regularly with stakeholders.

Always speak to a friend, colleague, or management if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, especially if they have held a similar role before in their professional life. It is never a bad idea to seek guidance when planning future career goals.

Not having experience or qualifications

Not having experience can be a big pitfall for people wanting to work in their dream field, whether it be a doctor, lawyer, psychologist, teacher, nurse, accountant, or social worker. 

In any case, don’t worry – when you don’t have the correct qualifications–such as a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s coursework–there are always pathways to get to where you want to be. What are the criteria for the role you’re looking at? 

Whether or not you completed schooling, there are always certifications you can take. Always show your training, relevant skills, and commitment to your passion for employees.

No Matter Your Industry: Conquer Any Career Challenge

Has fear stopped you from planning a bold career move? There’s no need to constantly stress about time or how old you are; you’re never too old to study or work in a field you love.

If your calling is medicine, nursing, working with animals, or biomedical science, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of your age, experience, skills, and qualifications.