Success in our careers is subjective and relative, and comparing ourselves to others on social media platforms like LinkedIn can intensify feelings of failure and unease.
Work-related anxiety can be categorized into learning anxiety, which stems from fear of failure and discomfort when trying something new, and survival anxiety, which pushes us to make a change in our careers and pursue our passions.
Deep dives
Career Anxiety and the Pressure to Succeed
Career anxiety is a common experience in our 20s, especially when starting our first jobs or entering into our careers. Many of us feel unease, a sense of being behind, or a lack of fulfillment in our current work situations. The feeling of comparing ourselves to others and perceiving ourselves as failures is intensified by social media platforms like LinkedIn. However, it's important to remember that success is subjective and relative. Everyone is figuring things out, and many decisions in our careers are influenced by societal expectations rather than our true desires. It's crucial to celebrate our small wins, appreciate how far we've come, and acknowledge that our dreams and desires may change over time. Work is not the only driver of happiness, and it's okay to change paths when needed.
Learning Anxiety and Survival Anxiety in the Workplace
Work-related anxiety can be categorized into learning anxiety and survival anxiety. Learning anxiety arises when we fear trying something new, such as starting a new role or leaving a toxic work environment. It is the fear of failure, discomfort, and the need to adapt to change. Survival anxiety, on the other hand, pushes us to make a change in our careers. It's the realization that if we want to pursue our passions, we need to leave an unsatisfying job or environment. Balancing these anxieties and deciding whether to stay or leave requires considering the benefits and costs, understanding the fear of change, and recognizing that our own happiness and growth should be prioritized.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Career Anxiety
Imposter syndrome often goes hand in hand with career anxiety. It involves feelings of self-doubt and incompetence, despite evidence of our accomplishments. Imposter syndrome can be a silent career killer, leading to self-sabotage and a lack of confidence in our abilities. Overcoming imposter syndrome requires recognizing that success is subjective and celebrating our small wins. It's important to understand that everyone is figuring things out, and our own accomplishments may be inspiring to others. By comparing our progress to our past selves and embracing our evolving desires, we can overcome imposter syndrome and navigate our careers with more confidence.
Putting Work in Perspective: Work is not Everything
The pressure to succeed and the anxiety surrounding our careers can be overwhelming. However, it's crucial to remember that work is not the most important aspect of our lives. Happiness and fulfillment come from various areas, including relationships, health, hobbies, and personal growth. Letting go of social comparisons, appreciating the journey, and understanding that work is just one element of a happy life can help alleviate career anxiety. It's normal to question our path, but we have the agency to make changes and pursue opportunities that align with our passions and values.
Our careers and work can be a major point of stress in our 20’s and we try to figure out what exactly we’re doing and where we want to go. In this episode we discuss career anxiety, feeling lost and when it’s time for a change. Thank you to this weeks sponsor, Athletic Greens. Please go to athleticgreens.com/Jemma to redeem you offer of 1 year do free vitamin C and 5 free travel packs.