By the Ignite Career Center of JCS

Do you trust in your own abilities, qualities, and judgements? If you are having trouble doing so, you may be struggling with your self-confidence and facing self-doubt. Confidence is critical for forward movement; you need it to believe in yourself and believe that you deserve opportunities to keep growing. Self-confidence relates to all aspects of your life—personal and professional alike. But low self-esteem related to work could have a trickling effect and cost you success in other arenas of your life.

Here is how self-doubt might manifest:

• You may struggle to verbalize your skills and strengths.
• You may doubt the likelihood that an employer wants to hire you.
• You may feel paralyzed with fear and overwhelm about your career trajectory.
• You may avoid acting and making progress, choosing instead to stay comfortable in the discomfort, which has grown familiar to you.

Let’s consider what doubting your self-worth gets you:

• Less financial freedom. If you are unable to verbalize your skills and strengths or if you doubt that you are worth the salary you desire, you are preventing yourself from reaching the financial security and stability that is accessible to you.
• Less daily flexibility. Refusing to voice your desires will result in you never having the chance to work from home a few days a week (after the pandemic is over) or negotiate your work hours to accommodate your personal schedule.
• More health problems. Feeling inept does not feel good anywhere in your mind or body. Depression or burn-out from doing a job you hate or under conditions you despise, manifests as physical pain. Your exhaustion, back pain, stomach problems, and sleep issues can be symptoms of your internal distress.
• More strained relationships. Fear of inadequacy at work can spill over into your personal relationships. Negative self-talk, timidness, or minimization of your abilities and accomplishments impact your relationships with everyone around you.

If this sounds like you, then there are two things to note.

1. You are not alone.
2. Career Coaches are here to help you.

All you have to do is ask for assistance.

Working with a Career Coach will help you build the self-worth you need to:

• Gain Financial Freedom. Whether you are job hunting, seeking a career change, or looking for a promotion, a career coach can help you build the confidence and skills you need to secure the salary you desire.
• Advocate for your daily needs. Whenever you are negotiating the terms of your contract, a career coach can help you practice not only what to say to achieve the work/life balance you require, but also how to say it.
• Feel better. Working with a coach to discuss your skills and strengths, making a plan to tackle your professional worries, and taking steps to advance your career can ease your anxiety and make you feel better all around.
• Improve your relationships. Asking a career coach to help you gain the confidence you need to feel assured in your accomplishments and what you have to offer in the workplace will improve your relationships with yourself, your colleagues, and all other people in your life.

Most of us spend one-third (90,000 hours!) of our lives at work. If you’re not feeling good during that time, know that it’s not “just work;” your career satisfaction affects so much more than you may think. If you’re ready to feel more confident at work and reap the benefits of that self-worth, contact a career coach today at Ignite Career Center.

Whether you are new to the job market or a seasoned professional, the Ignite Career Center, a program of Jewish Community Services, can help you go further and get there faster. Our highly experienced Career Coaches provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the customized services and tools they need to stand out from the competition. To learn more, visit ignitecareercenter.com or call 410-466-9200.