The psychology behind changing careers

Up to 70% of working professionals are actively considering a career change… yet most never take the leap. Why?

Have you ever thought about changing careers, or quitting your job - but you’re not sure what you’d do next? This article might help.

Why Career Change Feels So Hard

First, it’s important to understand that quitting your job, or changing careers isn’t just about quitting the job itself, or even the money associated with it. It’s also part of our identities as people, and in the workforce.

Our occupational identities are defined as the way individuals understand and define themselves through their work, daily activities, and life roles. This identity is not just about the work itself, but also the meaning and value individuals derive from their occupations. 

An occupational inventory aims to facilitate a person’s knowledge, development, and enhancement of occupational experiences during previous and current work as well as capture their identity. Example areas include: 

• The meaning of work for the person, family, peer group, and community

• Family history of educational level and occupational attainment; previous and current work (paid and pro bono)

• Projection of family, personal, and career goals

• Occupational success and failure

• Occupational socialization including experiences with peers, bosses and socially at work

• Assessment of workplace culture & past cultures

• Workplace discrimination 

• Previous and current occupational coping skills (functional and dysfunctional)

• Occupational fears, fantasies, family scripts, and wishes

• Perception of the work setting as a safe place to engage in difficult dialogue

When considering a career change, it is important to reflect on your occupational identity as it plays a role in our larger identity.

The Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Successful Transitions

In addition to our identities being wrapped up in work, another powerful psychological component to focus on is intrinsic motivation. It has been proven by research that interval motivation is a far better indicator of long term sustainable success and well-being than acting on external pressures which leave people feeling less engaged and fulfilled. This research stemmed from Self-Determination Theory, first introduced  In the 1970s and 1980s by Richard Ryan, PhD, and Edward Deci, PhD. 

So when we think about changing careers, it is very important to consider and reflect on things such as - what impact do I want to make? What is important to me? What have I learned that I can use to better myself and the world? How do I want to spend my time? 

Why Nervous System Resilience Matters During Career Pivots

1. Stress Management: A career pivot often involves uncertainty, fear of failure, and potential financial instability. These stressors can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, which, if unchecked, can lead to burnout, exhaustion, or anxiety. Resilience helps individuals regulate these stress responses and approach challenges with a calm, grounded mindset.

2. Emotional Regulation: The emotional intensity of a career change can be overwhelming. Nervous system resilience supports emotional regulation, which is key to making thoughtful decisions during uncertain times, maintaining healthy relationships, and not letting fear drive major career decisions.

4. Physical Health: Chronic stress can impact physical health, leading to things like sleeplessness, fatigue, and even burnout. When individuals have tools to regulate their nervous system, they can prevent or mitigate the physical toll of career stress and pivot more smoothly.
   

5. Focus and Decision-Making: A calm and regulated nervous system allows individuals to stay focused and make decisions from a place of clarity rather than emotional reactivity. During a career pivot, this can make all the difference in how effectively they assess opportunities, make decisions, and move forward with confidence.

Psychology-Backed Coaching

At The Full Cup Co., we specialize in helping individuals work through not only the psychology of their career transitions, but also the strategic planning and positioning of them. 

Our unique blend of psychologically-backed coaching x 20+ years of big brand and business-building experience integrates the science of human behavior with actionable strategies that align with both the emotional and cognitive processes of individuals - and helps them build a plan to achieve their goals once they are defined. Here’s a few reasons why this approach is so effective and why it resonates deeply with people who are navigating career transitions, clarity, or seeking greater fulfillment in their next chapter:

• It Addresses the Root of Challenges & Goals

• It Builds Self-Awareness

• It Supports Lasting Behavioral Change

• It Leverages Cognitive Behavioral Strategies

• It Provides Emotional Regulation Tools

• It Acknowledges the Whole Person

• It Enhances Motivation and Goal Achievement

• It Embraces the Power of Narrative and Storytelling

• It Facilitates Greater Connection and Empathy

• It Integrates the Mind-Body Connection

If you are interested in learning more, watch our free Masterclass here to learn how you can build your very own Strategic Executive Exit Plan™.