Fear and Procrastination Prevent Many from Sending Out Resumes

In a study we recently released at Bellevue University, we found that 20 percent of the U.S. population is looking to make a job change to achieve their goals but feel they lack the education needed to do so. However, only 8 percent of U.S. adults are putting out resumes, meaning that many who desire change are not taking steps toward finding a new job. And, though the benefits of more education make it the likely solution, many feel it’s much too late to start now. A large number of adults feel a change in careers means starting back on the ground floor and competing with entry-level candidates and entry-level pay, even though a degree often puts you a step ahead in many fields. The study also found that 30 percent of working adults who want to change careers say education and experience are holding them back, yet only 15 percent are working toward a degree.

Part of the problem is fear and procrastination. Our research has shown that fear holds as much as one-quarter of adults back from achieving their goals, and that one out of 10 people say they are afraid to step out of their comfort zone or fear they don’t have what it takes to succeed at the next level. They hesitate to apply for jobs, or plan on beginning their career transition “next year,” instead of taking the initiative to start living up to their potential in the short-term. Intriguingly, we found that as a person’s educational obtainment increased, fear of stepping out of their comfort zone decreased. The more preparedness you create for yourself, the more comfortable you’ll feel when searching for a new or better occupation.

What those that fear change need to understand is that when armed with higher education, the possibility of finding happiness in your line of work increases dramatically. Earning a college degree has never been more important than it is right now as, over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree. For you, job satisfaction may be just a degree away. Your future begins with the decisions you make today, so take the small step of researching what education is needed to land the job you’ve been thinking about. Higher education equals more possibilities, and, therefore, a more exciting job search.

About the author: Dr. Mary B. Hawkins is the President of Bellevue University. One of the nation’s best-known authorities on adult education, Dr. Mary B. Hawkins has observed the American education scene for more than 30 years and is keenly aware that the future of American prosperity relies on a better-educated workforce. She is known for leading the charge to make higher education accessible to everyone. Her expertise has been featured in USA Today, Fox Business, New York Post, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, onlindegrees.com, national radio shows, pickthebrain.com, KUNS-TV Seattle, and dozens more.