Change is going to feel uncomfortable. That is why change can be so difficult. If you want to see a change in your career or your life, it isn’t likely going to be easy and it isn’t going to feel comfortable. Of course, those feelings are necessary for a worthwhile change.

To put things in perspective, think of trying to lose weight. It is not a comfortable process. It is not an easy process. We definitely want the results, but we know how difficult the process will be at times. It is difficult to change your behavior and habits.

This applies to your career as well. Going to the same job every day may feel comfortable for you. You know what is expected of you, you understand the culture, and, while you might not enjoy the work, you enjoy the feeling of comfort the job provides.

For those who are looking to change their career, it most likely won’t be easy. It may cause you a lot of discomfort. The first phase of discomfort is figuring out where to start. You might know that you do not enjoy your current job, but you don’t know why. Or, if you do know why you don’t enjoy your job, you don’t know what to do about it. For others, looking for a new job or new career can also feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t hunted for a job in awhile. The most discomfort can occur when you have been established in a career for many years and are thinking about changing to something completely different. You will have many questions:

• will you enjoy that work
• can you monetarily afford to do this new work
• do you really have the skills for this new work
• will anyone give you a chance in this new profession without years of experience
• how many years will the transition take

The list of questions can go on and on . . . For some individuals, simply thinking about these factors causes enough discomfort for them to stop the process. For those who still pursue a career transition, the discomfort continues as you address all of the above factors and begin taking steps in the transition. It is not an easy process. This is why some individuals may stay in a career or job that they do not like.

Exploring a career change and taking steps in this process is an investment. It’s an investment in yourself and in your future. If you can hang on through the feelings of discomfort, you may realize significant changes in your life.