The #1 big fear of making a career change is having to take a ‘step back.'

A step back in pay, responsibility, authority, and benefits.

Many are convinced you have to start over again to get your dream job.

Or that the only answer is to go back to school for a graduate degree.

It's a one step forward, two steps back kind of dance.

Fear of having to get to the back of the queue keeps many paralyzed.

It keeps you from ever trying or taking the tiniest of first steps.

You see, the fear is a giant ASSUMPTION that you'll absolutely have to suffer or pay a penalty for getting what you want.

You're also assuming that staying where you are is super safe, stable, and will stay the same…that's simply not true.

Will you have to sacrifice a few aspects of your lifestyle to get what you want?

Perhaps – but you don't know anything for sure until you at least start to investigate the reality of your potential next career move.

Taking the next step doesn't absolutely mean starting over from the very beginning…

It just means getting started.

What's your first step of discovery?

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– Kelley Joyce, MBA, CPC

Kelley is a career development coach who is dedicated to helping people discover their career path and land their dream jobs. Kelley has served hundreds of professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Australia since 2012 to radically change their relationship with work.