Stepping out of your comfort zone: A guide to pursuing a new career

When it comes to achieving our goals, mental barriers can often hold us back from taking the necessary steps. Negative thoughts, such as feeling inadequate or not smart enough, can prevent us from reaching our full potential. 

This is especially true when it comes to pursuing new job opportunities, whether it's transitioning into a different sector or aiming for a more senior position. Here are some of our top tips to help you break through those mental barriers and learn how to step out of your comfort zone.

1. Recognise and challenge your limiting beliefs

The first step in overcoming mental barriers is to identify them and challenge them. It's important to acknowledge any negative or limiting beliefs you might have that undermine your confidence or self-worth, such as "I am not qualified enough" or "I don't have the necessary experience." Once you’re conscious of the barriers holding you back, you can get a better understanding that these beliefs are often unfounded and are preventing you from exploring new opportunities.

2. Embrace a growth mindset

A growth mindset is a belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn. Common traits of individuals with a growth mindset include being open to new experiences and continuous learning. They seek out opportunities to acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, and expand their understanding of the world. They actively ask for feedback and use it as a means of self-improvement.

Adopting this mindset is crucial when stepping out of your comfort zone as it’ll give you the tools you need to cultivate a positive attitude towards learning and embracing challenges which will aid in unlocking your full potential both personally and professionally.

3. Research and gain a deeper understanding

When pursuing a new job role, thorough research is essential and will help you get more comfortable with the unknown. Take the time to understand the industry you’re thinking of joining, as well as what the job requirements and necessary skills might be. Identify any gaps in your knowledge or experience and develop a plan to acquire those relevant skills. 

The easiest way to do that is to utilise online resources, industry publications, and professional networks to expand your understanding and gain insights from others who have made similar transitions.

4. Leverage transferable skills and embrace past experiences

If you really want to step out of your comfort zone and experience something new, you need to recognise the transferable skills you possess that can be applied to the new job role. More often than not, there will be plenty of skills that you have already developed that will help you get a foot in the door in a new industry company.
 
For example, if you are transitioning from a different sector, emphasise skills that are valuable across industries, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, or project management. Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, focus on highlighting these on your CV, cover letter, and during any interviews you might secure.

For more information on what the most in-demand skills are this year, and what employers are looking for, look through our recent survey results to find out how many of these key soft skills you have.

It's also important to remember that your previous experiences hold value. Reflect on past achievements and successes that demonstrate your ability to learn, adapt, and thrive in different situations. Highlight these experiences in your job applications and interviews to showcase your transferable skills and resilience.

5. Seek learning opportunities

To bridge any gaps in your skills or knowledge, seek learning opportunities that align with your desired job role. Enroll in relevant courses, attend workshops, participate in webinars, or pursue certifications to enhance your qualifications. Additionally, consider seeking mentorship or guidance from professionals in the sector who can provide insights and advice on navigating the transition.

If you want to upskill in certain areas or close some of your own skills gaps, here’s some more information on the best online courses for upskilling. 

6. Network and build connections

Networking is incredibly beneficial for finding a new job. Not only does networking allow you to tap into hidden job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, but it also provides invaluable industry insights and knowledge when you’re transitioning into a new sector. By connecting with professionals already working in that industry, you can gain a deeper understanding of its dynamics, trends, and requirements. This insight helps you tailor your job search strategy, focus on the right skills and qualifications, and position yourself effectively for opportunities.

It also allows you to build meaningful relationships with professionals in your desired sector. These connections can become valuable advocates who can vouch for your skills, knowledge, and potential. Recommendations from trusted individuals within the industry can carry significant weight during the hiring process, giving you an edge over other candidates. Seasoned professionals can also share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping you navigate the challenges of transitioning into a new sector. 

If the idea of networking in itself is out of your comfort zone, then here’s our handy guide on how to network like a pro and gain your confidence. 

What’s next?

Stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing new job roles can be a transformative journey that unlocks exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. Using our advice above, you can overcome some of the mental barriers that might be holding you back and confidently embark on a new career path.  

Feel ready to start your job search? Check out the Michael Page job boards and get one step closer to your dream role today or get in touch with one of our expert consultants to discuss your options. 

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