Changing Jobs? Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

If the thought of changing jobs makes your stomach churn and your palms sweat—good. That fear you're feeling? It's a sign that you're alive, growing, and on the edge of something important.

Susan Jeffers, in her iconic book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, doesn't tell us to eliminate fear. She tells us to dance with it. To recognise it not as a stop sign, but as a signal that we’re moving beyond our comfort zone—and that’s exactly where real growth happens.

I love these quotes

"Ships in harbour are safe, but that's not what ships are built for" 

"The best way out is always through"

"You're not a failure if you don't make it. You're a success because you tried" 

Fear Is Normal (and Useful)
Changing jobs is one of the most emotionally charged decisions we can make. It taps into all the classic fears: fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of uncertainty, and fear of regret. But Jeffers reminds us: “The fear will never go away as long as I continue to grow.”

So instead of waiting for the fear to vanish, what if we saw it as a necessary companion on the journey to a better career—and life?

The “No-Lose” Decision
Jeffers introduces a powerful concept: the no-lose decision. In a job change, this means reframing your choice—not as a win/lose gamble, but as an opportunity to learn and evolve no matter what. Whether the new job turns out to be your dream role or simply a stepping stone, you’ve taken action, taken control, and grown in confidence.

That shift in mindset alone can be freeing.

What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
A practical tool from Jeffers' book is to ask: “What’s the worst that could happen?” and then prepare to handle it. The fear of changing jobs often looms large because it’s vague. When we define the worst-case scenario, we can plan for it—and it becomes far less terrifying.

Maybe the worst is that the new job isn’t what you hoped. So? You’ll have learned something vital about what you don’t want, built resilience, and can pivot again—this time with more clarity.

Power Comes From Taking Action
Fear feeds on inaction. The longer we delay, the louder the doubts become. Jeffers encourages action, however small: update your CV, reach out to a connection, apply for one job, book a networking event. Each step tells your brain: “I’ve got this.” And confidence builds.

“Every time you push through fear, you gain strength, courage, and confidence.” – Susan Jeffers

Final Thoughts: Let Fear Ride Shotgun
Changing jobs is never easy—but it doesn’t have to be paralysing. Let fear come along for the ride, but don’t give it the steering wheel.

If your gut is nudging you toward something new, listen. Fear will be there—but so will possibility, growth, and the next version of you, waiting just on the other side of the leap.

So, feel the fear—and do it anyway.

If you are at cross roads and would like help and support with your accountancy job change. Contact Clare Vardey at Vardey Recruitment for a confidential conversation.

You will be glad you reached out!

Clare

Click here to connect! or contact 07816 873747 

Reference Susan Jeffers "Feel the Fear and do it anyway" - a great read or podcast listen!

https://susanjeffers.com/