You don’t love your job. But dipping your toes into a search for a new one is scary. Sound familiar?

If it does, you’re not alone. Job searches can be frightening and also stressful too for one reason: uncertainty. There are so many unknowns that it can feel easier to just stay where you are even if you’re not happy.

So what are some other reasons you might be afraid to launch a job search – and what can you do to overcome that fear? Here’s a look.

#1: You’re not confident in yourself as a candidate.

If you don’t think you have a lot to offer, it’s no wonder you’re afraid to start a job search. You don’t like where you are, but the thought of coming off as incompetent to a hiring manager is terrifying.

If this is true for you, then you need to start planning. What skills and experience do you need to move ahead in your career? Take the time to invest in yourself so you can broaden your knowledge base and skill set, become a more marketable candidate, then find the job you truly want.

#2: You don’t know what kind of job you want.

If you’ve been doing the same job forever, you might not be sure where to take your career next. This is where it can be helpful to take some time to explore other opportunities. Look to online job boards to see what’s out there and find out if any openings excite you. Also, think about what you like and don’t like about your current position, so you can identify the next steps for the future.

#3: You don’t know how to market yourself.

When it comes to a job search, there are so many pieces and parts to marketing your background that it can become overwhelming. However, typically, a successful job search comes down to a few things: a strong resume, practicing interview answers, and networking regularly. When you break these tasks up into smaller, more manageable goals, it’s easier to tackle.

#4: You don’t want to impact your finances.

If the best thing about your job is your salary, you might not want to rock the boat with a search. However, if you’re not happy, there’s only so long you can continue on. Instead of staying the course, start to research competitive salary rates online, so you know what your skills and experience are worth. You’ll then be able to walk into interviews with facts, so you can negotiate an offer that works for you.

Interested in finding a new job you love?

As a leading recruiting agency in Houston, we’ll work with you to learn about your skills, background, abilities, and goals, all so we can match you with a great new opportunity. You’ll find a new job faster, one that’s an excellent fit for you. Contact us today or search our jobs now.