Why You’re Stuck (Even When You Want to Grow)
Many professionals feel stuck in their jobs, knowing they need to take the next step but feeling paralyzed by fear and uncertainty.
Whether it is switching industries, pursuing a leadership role, or transitioning to a completely new career path, change feels risky.
Why?
Because career change disrupts everything that feels safe. People worry about making the wrong move, failing in a new role, or regretting their decision.
They tell themselves, “What if I am not good enough? What if I fail? What if I end up in a worse situation than I am in now?”
Jorge Loebl, founder of Revolving Change, explained this struggle perfectly in a recent podcast,
“People are not afraid of change. They are afraid of their own change. They love when others around them evolve, grow, and succeed, but when it comes to their own transition, they hesitate because they do not know what is on the other side.”
Fear and hesitation do not stop change from happening. They just keep professionals stuck in careers that no longer serve them.
The Shift: From Career Fear to Confident Action
Instead of fearing career change, professionals must learn to reframe it as an opportunity.
Growth does not come from staying comfortable. It comes from making intentional, strategic moves that align with long-term goals.
This article will help you:
- Identify the root cause of career stagnation and fear
- Shift your mindset from paralysis to proactive career growth
- Create a structured plan to make career transitions successfully
Let’s break it down using the Discover, Design, Deliver (3‑D) process.
Discover what’s really keeping you stuck in your career
When “Comfort” Becomes the Real Risk
Many professionals stay in jobs they dislike because it feels safer than stepping into the unknown.
They rationalize staying stuck by telling themselves:
- “At least I have a stable income.”
- “I am not miserable, just not happy.”
- “It is not the right time for a change.”
Jorge explained this perfectly,
“A tiny sting is not painful, right? As long as it remains a tiny sting, we can live with it. We can put a band-aid on it, take a painkiller, and think the pain away. That is what people do with jobs they do not love. They convince themselves the discomfort is not bad enough to make a move.”
The takeaway: If you feel unfulfilled in your career, staying put is not the safe option—it is the risky one, because it keeps you from growth and better opportunities.
Fear of Judgment: The Career Killer No One Talks About
For many professionals, career change is not just about internal fear, but also about external pressure.
They worry about what their employer, colleagues, or even family will think.
Jorge touched on this,
“One of the biggest reasons people do not make career moves is because they fear they will fail and be judged. They do not want to be the person who tried something new and did not succeed. But the truth is, failure is not the real risk—staying stagnant is.”
The takeaway: What is more painful—trying something new and learning from it, or staying in the same place for five more years and regretting it?
Design a growth plan that aligns with your values and strengths
Let Fear Be Your Fuel
Fear of change does not mean you should avoid it. It means you are at the edge of something important.
One of the most powerful ways to move forward is to look into the future and imagine the cost of inaction.
Isaac, one of the podcast hosts, shared how he uses this approach,
“I try to zoom out and look backward. What will happen if I keep going down this path of not changing? What will my life look like if I continue suffering with this for the next ten years? That perspective often scares me into action.”
Jorge agreed,
“You are creating the pain before it happens, and that is a powerful motivator.”
The takeaway: Instead of fearing failure, fear the regret of staying stagnant.
Build a Career Change Plan You Can Trust
Once you shift your mindset, the next step is to create a structured plan to ensure your career change is intentional and strategic.
Follow these steps:
- Clarify what you want. Define your ideal job, work environment, and long-term career vision.
- Identify transferable skills. List out the skills you already have that apply to new roles or industries.
- Research potential paths. Talk to professionals in your target field and explore job opportunities.
- Gain new skills if needed. Enroll in courses, get certifications, or build relevant experience.
- Start networking strategically. Build relationships with industry professionals who can offer guidance.
- Set a timeline. Give yourself realistic but firm deadlines to take action.
Jorge emphasized the importance of having a clear roadmap,
“You do not have to take a blind leap into the unknown. You build the bridge as you go, ensuring you have clarity and stability as you move forward.”
The takeaway: A structured plan reduces fear and increases confidence.
Deliver confidence through action—not perfection
Start Small. Start Now.
Many professionals fear that career change means leaving everything behind all at once.
But that is not true. You can start with small, low-risk actions that move you closer to your goal:
- Start freelancing or consulting in your desired field
- Take on a new project at work that aligns with your next career move
- Begin networking and talking to professionals in your target industry
- Enroll in an online course to strengthen your skills
Jorge emphasized this strategy,
“The best way to approach change is to take small, consistent actions rather than overwhelming yourself with an all-or-nothing decision. The more small steps you take, the easier the big leap becomes.”
The takeaway: You do not have to risk everything—you just have to start moving.
Change Isn’t the Threat—It’s the Advantage
Fear of change does not disappear after one career transition.
The most successful professionals are those who continuously adapt and view change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Jorge put it best,
“The real risk is believing that staying the same will keep you safe. But change is not something to fear, it is something to master. You have to make change your competitive advantage.”
The takeaway: The more you embrace career evolution, the easier it becomes to navigate.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of Waiting Is Too High
You have two choices: let fear control your career, or take charge of your own growth.
Jorge’s final words sum it up best,
“If you wait until you are forced to change, you have already lost control. If you start making changes before the pain becomes unbearable, you take control of your future and open doors you did not even know existed.”
The key takeaway: Your career will not change unless you do. The best time to start is now.
Your Growth Starts with One Step
Fear doesn’t have to run your career.
Our Membership gives you the guidance, structure, and tools to make career change less overwhelming—and a lot more exciting.