6 answers
6
Questions
Asked
473 views
Is it reasonable to completely change career paths if the reason is because of confidence?
#career #college #career-path
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Anthony,
The short answer to your question is yes. Your challenge is determining if you have a lack of confidence in your current work or a confidence that you can do something better. I started my work life by taking the first job that I could get, the job that I thought that my parents would want me to take. I didn't lack confidence in my job, I didn't like it. I had to find something else, so I did. Now I have lacked confidence in my abilities. I first started training because someone saw potential in me. When I was training, I worried about not knowing what I was doing. And I wanted to quit more than once. But then I did the hard thing - I took training at a local community college paid out of my own pocket. I wanted to be good, so I had to learn to be good and practice being good. Make sure that you don't jump unless the problem is a bad fit, something that you never want to do again. Otherwise, don't quit too soon. Try other avenues, whether its learning what you need to know or getting a new boss.
Gloria
The short answer to your question is yes. Your challenge is determining if you have a lack of confidence in your current work or a confidence that you can do something better. I started my work life by taking the first job that I could get, the job that I thought that my parents would want me to take. I didn't lack confidence in my job, I didn't like it. I had to find something else, so I did. Now I have lacked confidence in my abilities. I first started training because someone saw potential in me. When I was training, I worried about not knowing what I was doing. And I wanted to quit more than once. But then I did the hard thing - I took training at a local community college paid out of my own pocket. I wanted to be good, so I had to learn to be good and practice being good. Make sure that you don't jump unless the problem is a bad fit, something that you never want to do again. Otherwise, don't quit too soon. Try other avenues, whether its learning what you need to know or getting a new boss.
Gloria
Updated
James’s Answer
I agree with Kristen's answer. I spent the first few years in my first job growing my confidence in it. No one is expected to immediately understanding all aspects of their job right when they start. The important thing here is that you are willing to learn, can pick yourself up from mistakes, and slowly start to build a knowledge base. Confidence comes from being able to grow your knowledge base, and this takes time. The best thing you can do is stick with it in the short term, and then decide if you want to switch careers after you've tried it out.
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Yes! I have career changed several times in my 58 years. I am working since I am 13 yes full-time. When I was young often had more than one job, side hustle, passive cash flow. Call it confidence, stupidity, or risk-taking my advice is always to know with 100% certainty what you are good at. Also, understand what others think you are good at. Always have a job/career before you make a major move. I have done it both ways and I can tell you that having a job even one you hate is better than no job. Are you a leader? A great individual contributor? Can you take the pressure of like Sales or management? Are you a creative problem solver? These are critical basic questions that you should be able to answer. Sometimes just having a side hustle is enough for a time. Sometimes that second job can lead to something you love. Networking is also the biggest promoter you can have. Every job I have ever ultimately gotten was because of my record with someone who trusted me enough to recommend me for the job. I am 100% believer in "if it is to be it is up to me."
At 42, with 2 small children ages, 4-5, I decided to completely leave a career I was in for 14 years to start a new one. It was very difficult. I went from a small company with a very diverse, open environment to a huge fortune 5 company with a very conservative outlook on everything. I learned so much, I learned to appreciate some of the conservative aspects (401K), and the company almost 16 years later has come a long way with diversity and inclusion. I learned that I am not only an ally but also an accomplice and I am very proud to say I help change a Fortune 5 company. So yes my confidence has helped me do all that and stay sane! Good Luck to you!
At 42, with 2 small children ages, 4-5, I decided to completely leave a career I was in for 14 years to start a new one. It was very difficult. I went from a small company with a very diverse, open environment to a huge fortune 5 company with a very conservative outlook on everything. I learned so much, I learned to appreciate some of the conservative aspects (401K), and the company almost 16 years later has come a long way with diversity and inclusion. I learned that I am not only an ally but also an accomplice and I am very proud to say I help change a Fortune 5 company. So yes my confidence has helped me do all that and stay sane! Good Luck to you!
Updated
Safwan’s Answer
Hey anthony,
Maintaining confidence is a difficult thing to do especially with though classes and everything else in life. If you need to take the time to build up that confidence then it's definitely no problem. I think that if someone can't put their 100% into their career path, then they should take a step back and figure out what's stopping them. If you can seek counseling then that's definitely an option as a therapist could be very useful.
Maintaining confidence is a difficult thing to do especially with though classes and everything else in life. If you need to take the time to build up that confidence then it's definitely no problem. I think that if someone can't put their 100% into their career path, then they should take a step back and figure out what's stopping them. If you can seek counseling then that's definitely an option as a therapist could be very useful.
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi Anthony. It is definitely reasonable to consider changing career paths if you are not confident in it. However, I would say that you should get as much exposure to various career paths to see if they are a good fit for you. I would also recommend talking to individuals in the career paths that you are interested in, including the career path you are thinking of switching from.
Kristen Brown
Emergency Department Nurse, School Nurse substitute
3
Answers
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Anthony! I agree it is reasonable but would like to add that confidence in any field of work takes dedication to learning, time and experience.