Why Going After a Career Change Feels So Hard—And Why That’s Normal

There’s something inside us that longs for more.

Maybe it’s a new career, a new job, a business we want to start, a different lifestyle, or a new place to live.

When we allow ourselves to dream about it, it feels wonderful. It’s freeing. It’s spacious. Life expands. Everything seems possible. 😊 

Then, in another moment, it all feels too hard, too impossible, too big for our small life—out of reach, not accessible...😔

“What was I thinking?” 🤔

We tell ourselves:

Those dreams are for someone else, not me. 

I have so many reasons why it can’t be done—finances, age, lack of skills, no time… 

the list goes on. 

It feels disappointing—and also kind of relieving.

Because if I let go of the dream, I don’t have to take all those steps. I can stay where I am. It’s not great, but it’s okay. Why push it? We begin to convince ourselves we didn’t need that “change” anyway.

Familiar? 👀

We do this all the time (with any big change). Why? Because we are human. Yes, that’s the only reason. (Not all the harsh things you say to yourself in your mind.)

We don’t need to beat ourselves up—this is how we’re wired.

I got curious at a young age to understand the real why behind all this. I took all the lessons I could find, read every book I could get my hands on, and dug deeper into human psychology. It is fascinates me. 

I also saw this pattern in my own life. And then I saw it again and again in my clients—those who wanted to make a change, who wanted to find and do what they love. 

They got stuck right when they were ready to move forward. 🛑

So, I put together a list of the most common obstacles I see over and over again. You can download the short guide here. (7 Obstacles that Stops us From Finding Work We Love). 

I just want you to know: You are NOT ALONE when you think or feel things like:

• I’m not the kind of person who has the strength to move forward and take risks; those people are special—not me.

• Who am I to chase a job or career I love?

• It’s unrealistic to go after my dreams right now.

• I’m not young enough/smart enough/etc. to do this.

• I’m too afraid to fail (even if I won’t admit it out loud); it’s easier to stay where I am. 

Without realizing it, we sabotage ourselves. Everything starts to feel too risky, and we stay in our comfort zone—even when that comfort zone doesn’t serve us in the long run.

YET—and it’s a big YET— All of this can be overcome. 

That’s the big message here. 

💎 First: There is NOTHING wrong with you, and you are not alone. 

💎 Second: If you are determined to overcome these obstacles, YOU CAN.

You might not see your unconscious limiting beliefs or inner saboteurs—but someone trained to spot them can support you. That’s what I do for my clients. 

I don’t want you to be stopped by these very human obstacles that can be removed. 

It is so worth it to dig deep and clear out what’s in the way. You’re welcome to reach out for a free session. Let’s talk. (DM me at LinkedIn or go to my contact page.)

Life is too short and too fragile to let your dreams go.

All the best in your unique and wonderful journey,

Ozlem Brooke Erol