Making a big, bold change in our work life, like changing careers, quitting our job, or starting an online shop, feels scary. Sometimes it’s just the fear of losing our financial status, but most times, it feels scary just because we worry about what others may think. Whether it is our friends, our colleagues, or even our partner, what others might think about us matters – too much, I’d say. In fact, as if choosing to change your lifestyle wasn’t hard enough, it requires even more determination when you don’t feel supported. And the problem is that even the smallest comments can let you change your original idea – or even discard it completely.

Changing careers requires lots of energy and consistency. It can feel very lonely, and it is hard when you’re the only one who believes that it’s a good idea. However, at the end of the day, it’s your career, your work, and your life. Nobody else’s.

Three questions to ask yourself when you’re not feeling supported to make changes in your life

• Are you sure you aren’t being supported?
  • Is your fear of failure making you think that everyone will take sides against you?
  • Couldn’t it just be an excuse not to make any changes?
  • If you answered with “yes,” have you tried to talk about this with someone you trust?
• Why do you think that they aren’t supporting you?
  • Do they honestly think that you’re making a mistake and they’re just trying to protect you? In that case, do YOU think that you’re making a mistake? Are you genuinely running a BIG risk?
  • Could they be projecting their fears on you? Or is it just some sort of envy of you daring to change your life?
  • Do they feel somehow challenged? Do they think you’re going to need them to participate in this “adventure” of yours? Like lending you some money or helping you out with tasks that you won’t be able to cope with – or so they think?
    • In that case, do they have a point in believing that you’ll need them more than they’re willing to help? Have you thought about how to convince them of the opposite? Are there any arrangements that you can make to do it on your own?
• Do you actually think that you need their permission?
  • We all know that a good friend isn’t the one who only tells you what you need to hear. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re supposed to listen to each and every one of those who want to give you their opinion.

So let’s see a couple of actions that you could take to handle criticism.

Actions that will help you deal with criticism when you want to make changes in your life.

1. Identify which friends really wanna help. At the end of the day, whether you follow their advice or you don’t, it’s your decision, but talking with good friends about your thoughts can feel really satisfying. So make sure that you identify people who:
   • want the best for you.
   • give you constructive criticism.
   • motivate you.
2. You don’t need to give away every step of your thought process.
   • Wait to tell your new goals to the world when you feel determined to move forward.
   • Choose who you are going to tell about your plans.
   • Be open to criticism, but don’t let it stop you.
3. Surround yourself with like-minded souls who:
   • understand you.
   • inspire and motivate you.
   • make yourself accountable.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you!

It may sound harsh, but… Who cares what others may think? As long as you don’t need their help, you should be the one who chooses which career you’re going to pursue. I firmly believe that work doesn’t identify you as a person. It’s just what you do. And it can change if you want to.

So tell me… What is stopping you from taking the leap?* Is it really other people’s comments, or is it your fear?

* If you’d like to start freelancing, the free Roadmap to Self-Employment may help you! And if you have any questions, feel free to write them in the comments section below 😉