My Ideal clients. The barriers are real.
Many of my private one-to-one clients are 35-52 year old professionals with great educational backgrounds and significant work experience and expertise.
They are currently employed in well-paid roles, with good benefits, yet they find themselves yearning for new unexplored opportunities and a fresh direction in their career. This yearning has been going on for quite some time. Sometimes up to two-three years. Sometimes it is in response to a radical change in the workplace, a merger or buy-out or a change of manager. (Yes, managers have a massive effect of people’s lives and their overall happiness)
Despite their desire to move away from their current situation, these clients remain stopped and unable to make the change for many valid reasons:
1. My clients are often time poor and struggle to think clearly about major decisions
The demands of their current role, combined with personal responsibilities, leave them with little time or mental space to consider a significant change like a job move. This cohort are often managing big mortgages, growing families as well aging parent. The very thought of navigating a career transition amidst their busy schedule feels overwhelming, causing them to put off making any decisions.
2. Their Job Is What Keeps Them Fed and Housed…It’s a Big Deal
The stakes are high. This understandably is the big one, their current job provides the financial stability that supports their lifestyle, including housing and other essential needs. The fear of jeopardising this security adds significant pressure, making the idea of a career change feel like an enormous risk.
3. They are afraid of the uncertainty and lack of security a new role might present
The fear of stepping into the unknown is a significant barrier. While they are discontent with their current job, it at least provides them with a sense of security—both financially and professionally. The prospect of leaving this behind for something uncertain fills them with anxiety, preventing them from taking the first step.
4. They Have No Idea Where to Start
Even if they are determined to make a change, they often feel paralysed by not knowing where to begin. The job market seems vast and complex, and without a clear starting point, the idea of making a move seems daunting.
5. They Lack a Clear Vision of What They Want to Move Towards
Rather than having a defined goal, they are more focused on what they want to leave behind. This lack of clarity about their future direction makes it difficult for them to chart a course forward. They are aware of what they don’t want, but not what they do want, which leaves them feeling directionless.
6. They Don’t Have Clarity on Their Transferrable Skills and Value in the Job Market
Despite their experience and qualifications, they struggle to identify and articulate the skills that would be valuable in other roles across other industries. This lack of confidence in their own abilities makes them hesitant to explore new opportunities, as they are unsure of how their experience translates to different contexts.
7. They Don’t Have a Professional CV
Their CV may be outdated or lack the polish needed to stand out in a competitive job market. Without a strong, professional resume that effectively showcases their skills and achievements, they feel unprepared to apply for new roles, which only adds to their inertia and feeling of overwhelm.
8. Their LinkedIn Profile Lacks Structure and Impact
Their LinkedIn profile, often neglected, does not effectively reflect their professional brand. It lacks structure, fails to highlight key achievements, and does not engage potential employers or networking contacts. As a result, they miss out on inbound opportunities that could arise from having a strong online presence. They can also fear if they update their profile, their current employer will suspect they are on the lookout.
9. They Don’t Know Their Market Value
They are unsure of how much they are truly worth in today’s job market. Without this knowledge, they lack the confidence to negotiate better opportunities or even to explore new roles. This uncertainty keeps them tethered to their current position, even when they know they deserve more deep down.
10. They Are Not Knowledgeable About the Job Market
The job market has changed significantly, and they may not be aware of the latest trends, opportunities, or best practices for job searching. This lack of knowledge leaves them completely lost in how to navigate the process of finding and securing a new role.
11. They Have a Fear of Interviews
Even if they manage to secure an interview, the prospect of going through the interview process can be daunting. They may fear not performing well, being judged, or not knowing how to answer challenging questions. This fear can stem from a lack of recent interview experience or a deep-seated anxiety about being scrutinised. As a result, the fear of interviews becomes a significant barrier, making them hesitant to pursue new opportunities where interviews are an inevitable step.
12. They Hate the Idea of Networking and Putting Themselves Out There, Afraid of Rejection
Networking feels like an uncomfortable and intimidating task. The idea of putting themselves out there, reaching out to new contacts, or attending networking events fills them with dread. They fear rejection or not being taken seriously, which makes them avoid networking altogether. This reluctance to engage with others in their industry further limits their opportunities and reinforces their sense of being stuck.
Conclusion
These professionals are caught in a challenging situation: they are dissatisfied with their current role, they know it in their head, heart and gut. However, they are held back by valid feelings of fear, uncertainty, and a lack of clarity about their future.
They need guidance, support, and a clear plan to help them overcome each one of these these obstacles in a systematic and safe way to allow them to move confidently towards a more fulfilling career and a better life.
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