7 Excuses Holding You Hostage in that Career You Despise

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Do you feel like you’re currently being held hostage in that career you despise? The truth is, if you want to start making moves in your career, you have to stop making excuses. And before you say, “I’m not making excuses,” let’s be clear on how these excuses might sound. Here are the seven most common excuses I hear as a career coach.

1. I don’t know how to do anything else.

Truth: You have transferable skills - you just have to figure out which are most relevant for taking you to your next level. First, write down the types of duties you perform in your current role - both day-to-day responsibilities as well as short-term projects. Next, see which major category those duties fall under such as problem-solving, verbal and written communication, research and analytical thinking, leadership, etc. Line those up with the requirements of the roles you hope to explore next.

If you’re missing the mark on some of the key requirements, remember that it’s never too late to learn new things. If there are a few areas you want to strengthen, such as organization or budgeting, make a plan to fill in the gaps. Many online platforms offer courses to build the skills you desire - LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy are just a few options for skill-building. 

2. My current company needs me.

Truth: They will find a replacement. It’s just business. And while the phrase “like family” may be thrown around at work, the business will not choose you over their best interest. Knowing that you are the CEO of your career, you should adopt this same mindset. At the end of the day, YOU have to do what’s best for YOU.

3. I’m too old to change now.

Truth: You’re never too old to chase your dreams. As long as you have a desire to learn, you’re never too old to try something new. Plus, you can figure out ways to make your time in the workforce work towards your benefit. 

Have you worked in a few different career fields? That means more transferable skills and years of experience to add to your resume. Have you spent the majority of your career working in the same industry? Highlight your various results-driven implementations as well as talk up how you’re ready for a new challenge. 

4. My schedule won’t be this flexible.

Truth: There are plenty of jobs with flexible schedules. Post-COVID, more companies are increasing transparency about the availability of hybrid and remote-work positions. You can even filter most job searches using those keywords.

While you may think, “yeah, but not in my field,” research your industry and see what type of work policies are available. You may be surprised. If you’re still unsure, it doesn’t hurt to make a specific request. 

5. No one else will pay me this much.

Truth: There are plenty of jobs that pay a lot of money. Even without the boom of incentives to lure workers following the Great Resignation, switching careers can be beneficial to your paycheck. Salary negotiations are a common aspect of the new hire process. 

In fact, don’t expect a pay cut when changing careers but instead anticipate a pay increase. A recent study done by Zippia.com reported that in 2022 employees will see their salary increase by an average of 14.8% when switching careers. So don’t shy away from asking for what you’re worth. 

6. I don’t have time to apply for jobs.

Truth: You have time for what you prioritize. Even just 30-minutes twice a week will make a difference. Researching companies, networking, tailoring your resume and applying may seem daunting, but they are necessary. And while you may want to complete these tasks while catching up on Netflix, I urge you not to multitask. Your next career move deserves your full attention. 

7. I’m just not good at interviewing.

Truth: Interviewing takes practice. So with the right techniques, you can master the interview process. One thing to understand is that an interview is a two-way conversation between you and the employer. Not only is the hiring manager assessing your skills and experience for the role, but you are determining if the company is a good fit for you. 

If you’re looking for questions to ask during an interview, check out my pro tips here. Need a little more in-depth help? Check out my Ultimate Interview Prep Course here. 

Next Steps

Now that you can spot the excuses, it’s time to let them go so you can move forward. Need assistance creating a strategy to guide you to your next aligned position? Check out my 90-minute strategy sessions.