“It takes a village.” I like this phrase. It often gets applied to raising children and caring for the vulnerable members of society, but we rarely apply this idea to ourselves – especially when it comes to facing our own fears. Fear can make us feel isolated with few resources to cope, so it takes community support around us to feel safe enough to face the fears we don’t want to admit we have.
For me, when I transitioned from being a Philosophy Instructor to a Career Coach during the aftermath of the global economic crisis, I was filled with fear of failing. But it was the community around me, and a willingness to accept help, that enabled me to pursue a new career dream.
Fear can make us feel isolated with few resources to cope, so it takes community support around us to feel safe enough to face the fears we don’t want to admit we have.
In other words, it "takes a village" to conquer your career fears. It also takes courage to ask for help. That’s why I feel humbled and honored when people experiencing career pain reach out to me as their Coach, to help them navigate their next major vocational move. I see them as strong and courageous. They understand that “it takes a village.”
So what do you think about this? How has fear given you the opportunity to be courageous in your career and reach out for community? I'd love to hear your story!