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For many people, the summer holiday is a time for reflection: Is this the job that truly makes me happy? Is this the place where I fully utilize my potential? Especially for introverts, the thought of a career switch can be intimidating. Deep down, you may already know that you're not in the right place. But then come the excuses. The voices in your head that keep you from taking that important step. Let’s take a look at some common excuses and how to overcome them.
"I don't have time to apply for jobs or study."
This is a classic. The feeling that all your energy is consumed by your current job, leaving no room to invest in something new. For introverts, the daily interactions at work can already be exhausting, let alone finding time to apply for jobs or take a course.
How to overcome this: Start small. Set aside just 15 minutes each day to work on your future. This could mean reviewing a few job postings, updating your LinkedIn profile, or starting an online course. These small steps will add up over time. The key is consistency.
"What if I fail?"
The fear of failure is human, but for introverts, this fear can be paralyzing. We want to prepare, perfect, and ideally think through all scenarios in advance. The idea of taking a step without a guarantee of success can be overwhelming.
How to overcome this: Change your perspective on failure. See it as a learning process rather than an endpoint. Every experience, whether positive or negative, brings you closer to your goal. Remember that every successful person has made mistakes along the way. The difference is that they didn’t let it stop them.
"I'm not good enough."
The inner critic can be relentless, especially for introverts who tend to turn inward and analyze themselves. This self-criticism can lead to a lack of confidence, making you doubt your abilities.
How to overcome this: Reflect on your successes, no matter how small they seem. Make a list of your skills, experiences, and achievements. Ask colleagues or friends for feedback. Often, others are much more positive about us than we are about ourselves. Use their feedback to build your confidence.
"I don't know what I want."
Maybe you feel like you don’t have a clear direction. You know your current job isn’t the right one, but what is? For introverts, it can be challenging to figure this out because we often stay in our heads, endlessly overthinking.
How to overcome this: Explore your options. This might mean having conversations with people in different professions, hiring a career coach, or even taking a personality test. The key is to take action to better understand yourself and discover what energizes you.
The transition from vacation to work is an ideal time to reflect and take action. Don’t let excuses hold you back from making the leap to a career that truly fits you. For introverts, this can be a challenge, but with patience, self-reflection, and small, focused steps, you can achieve your goals. Would you like to talk more about this? Feel free to contact me.
