No More Holding Back: Face Your Career Fears

It's time to unmask what scares you most.

Author

Janelle Howell
October 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

The Horror Movie We’re All Starring In

You know that moment in every horror movie when the main character is running for their life? They're sprinting through dark hallways, desperately seeking refuge, looking for a way out, trying not to panic. And inevitably, they make the worst possible choice - running upstairs instead of out the front door, hiding in a closet with no exit, or staying frozen when they should move.

We watch from our couches, scarfing down popcorn, thinking, "Why don't they just leave the house?"

But here's the thing: we do the exact same thing in our careers.

When fear strikes, when we sense something isn't right, when we feel out of place, when change is knocking at our door - we run. We seek refuge in what's familiar, even when familiar has become uncomfortable. We look for a way out that doesn't require us to actually leave. We try not to panic while staying exactly where the danger is.

We stay in jobs that drain us because leaving feels scarier than staying. We silence our ideas because speaking up might expose us. We avoid asking for what we need because rejection feels like proof we don't deserve it. We play small because the fear of failure (or worse), the fear of success keeps us hiding in the metaphorical closet.

This October, as we step into the spooky season, let's talk about the real monsters: the fears that keep us running in circles instead of running toward the career we actually want. Because just like in those horror movies, the person who survives isn't the one who hides. It's the one who faces what's chasing them, makes a plan, and makes it out the front door.

Let's shine a light on five of the biggest fears professionals face and more importantly, what to do about them.

4 Ways to Overcome Your Biggest Work Fears

1. The Fear of Change

Why it holds you back: Staying in “comfortable but unfulfilling” roles often feels safe, but it quietly erodes growth and satisfaction. Change is intimidating because it threatens predictability, status, and identity.

How to tackle it: Treat change like a series of micro-experiments rather than a leap into the unknown. Test new responsibilities, side projects, or stretch assignments in small ways. Each experiment lowers the perceived risk while building confidence and insight.

Takeaway: Change isn’t a single giant jump. It’s a series of intentional, low-risk steps that make transformation feel manageable and even exciting.

2. The Fear of Failure

Why it holds you back: Failure feels personal, so people avoid risk even when opportunities align with their goals. This fear keeps them in a cycle of stagnation.

How to tackle it: Reframe failure as data, not judgment. Every misstep teaches you something specific such as what works, what doesn’t, what to tweak. This mindset turns “failure” into a learning system for career growth.

Takeaway: Each “failure” is a stepping stone, not a verdict on your ability. Treat experiments like feedback loops, not threats.

3. The Fear of Being Seen (Imposter Syndrome)

Why it holds you back: Many hide their ideas or achievements, thinking they aren’t “enough” or worry others will judge them. This creates a cycle of invisibility, even when talent is present.

How to tackle it: Shift focus from self-judgment to contribution. Ask, “How can I help or add value here?” rather than “Am I good enough?” Pair this with small acts of visibility like sharing a thought in a meeting, publishing one insight, or asking a question in a new forum.

Takeaway: Authenticity beats perfection. Visibility grows confidence. You don’t need to be flawless to matter.

4. The Fear of Asking

Why it holds you back: Negotiating raises, promotions, or new opportunities triggers fear because it risks rejection, judgment, or discomfort. Avoiding these conversations silently caps growth.

How to tackle it: Prepare like a strategist. Identify your value, practice your ask, and anticipate objections as data points, not personal attacks. Approach it as information exchange, not confrontation. Small asks (mentorship, stretch assignments) build muscle for bigger ones.

Takeaway: Asking isn’t risky - avoiding it is. Each request refines confidence and opens doors you can’t reach otherwise.

Your Homework

How can you turn one “trick” thought (e.g., “I’m not ready”) into a “treat” (e.g., “I’ve already built experience that proves I’m capable”)?

Ready to step out of the shadows and put the fear behind you? Then let’s explore what your next chapter could look like. Book a free discovery call when you’re ready.

Talk soon

~ Nelle