Why a Job Search Should Make You Uncomfortable

Why a Job Search Should Make You Uncomfortable Why a Job Search Should Make You Uncomfortable 2 There may be no clear path to career success,  and there can be a good deal of uncertainty, anxiety, and outright fear as you work to find your footing. But theres an argument to be made that your job search  should  make you uncomfortable- that good things can come from embracing the new, and seeking out fresh challenges. While stepping out of your comfort zone can be a seriously scary proposition, think of it as a great opportunity to break through to the next level in your career. Rather than avoiding the discomfort and fear of the unknown that often come with job hunting, try instead to harness that energy into a productive job search experience. Fear, and all its associated emotions, can help move you from the negative to the positive. Heres why a job search should make you uncomfortable: Fear can fuel positive change Fear is probably not something you seek out in your life, but fear has its benefits. Its a human instinct that can help keep you safe- and it can push you to do your best in a given endeavor. Case in point: your job search- particularly if youre in a situation where youre branching out into a new field, or applying for a position with more responsibilities than youve handled in the past. Its only natural to feel afraid of new challenges, but staying positive, and even embracing that fearfulness, can propel you to new career heights. Discomfort can fuel growth Just like pruning a plant can stimulate new growth, shedding outdated career plans and revamping old resumes can force you to grow in new ways, as you focus on your best and highest goals. Stripping away the extraneous and really setting your sights toward  goals that help you find your perfect career  can be an uncomfortable exercise, but it can help set you on the right path. Writing down very specific steps and devising a career blueprint can help you know your career purpose  and, ultimately, achieve your goals. Anxiety can fuel exploration Anxiety can weigh you down and paralyze your job search efforts, and thats just no good. Instead of being indecisive, take action and find ways to love your job search,  and let it be an avenue to move forward and explore unexpected ways to grow in your career. Being anxious about anything is definitely an uncomfortable feeling. But as far as your career goes, anxiety can ultimately help lead you to the joy of discovering new ways to use your skills and find work with flexible options that suit not only your career, but your life. Uncertainty can fuel opportunity Dont shy away from uncertainty. Rather, let it motivate you to think about what you really want in your career, and help you discover your career purpose. This brings us back to fear- specifically, fear of the unknown. By working to let go of your fear of the unknown, your fear of rejection, and your fear of the new, you can become a fearless job seeker, ready to embrace new career opportunities! Readers, what do you do to help overcome your fear and embrace new career opportunities? Share your experiences in the comments section below!