What to Do When You Are Terrified to Job Hunt

You have a conundrum in your life and you can't solve it. You're completely miserable at your current job, but you're absolutely terrified to go on a job hunt. What do you do when you have to overcome your fear so you can move on from your present situation? The initial step to solving this problem is to ask why you're so afraid in the first place.

1. Fear of the Unknown

Your job hunt is not a regular occurrence in your life, so that makes it somewhat nerve-wracking. You have to adjust to a new company, a new boss and new colleagues. What if you're just as miserable at your new place as you were with your old job?

Instead of worrying about the unexpected, research the employer as thoroughly as possible while on the job hunt. Search LinkedIn to find out what kind of people work for the company. Review the company's website to learn all about its mission and values. Get to know some of the employees who work there by attempting to connect on social media or at networking events. Speak to them about the business and company culture to get a better feel for the organization and decide if it's a good fit for you.

2. Unsure of Your Abilities

You might be fearful that you don't have much to offer if you have minimal education or experience, but don't fret. Focus on what you do have to offer. Sit down and take stock of every skill you possess that can help you at your next position, and use this information to sell yourself during interviews.

3. Lack of Confidence

Perhaps you lack confidence in your abilities to get the job done. If a recruiter called you for an interview, someone at the firm thought highly of your abilities. Remember, there's always a learning curve when you get a new job. If you feel you're missing a key qualification for a specific position, take a class or train on your own to learn that specific skill.

4. No Money

Changing jobs has consequences, both good and bad. What if your job hunt produces results that force you to take a pay cut? Before your job hunt, took at Glassdoor.com or a similar website to see if your new position is worth the pay. Factor in your cost of living and eliminating what you don't need. If it's still not worth it, continue your job hunt.

5. What to do Next

You know you want a new job, the only problem is you don't know what you want to do next. Do you revamp your entire career and go in a new direction, or do you stay on your original chosen path? If you're at a crossroads, research different jobs, industries and employers. Consider taking an online assessment that helps you decide which career path might be best for you.

Looking for a job can be stressful. Try not to pile on any fears about the future, as this can make you absolutely terrified about moving forward with your career. Instead, focus on your strengths during your job hunt, and do as much research as possible to boost your knowledge of your chosen industry.

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