What Is Career Anxiety and How Do You Overcome It?

Career anxiety is real, and it can sneak up on you at any stage. Whether you’re starting a new job, aiming for a promotion, struggling with work-life balance, or just feeling uncertain about your future career path, anxiety and stress about your job have the potential to infiltrate every area of your life.

Why Do I Feel Anxious About My Career?

Not only is a little anxiety a normal part of having a job, but it can also actually be helpful at times. In small amounts, anxiety is one of the key factors that drives you to put in your best effort and pay attention to details.

But managing anxiety is all about balance. Too much of it can have the opposite effect, causing you to feel disengaged, struggle to focus, and make careless mistakes. The resulting struggles often become fuel for further career anxiety; once the cycle begins, it can be hard to stop.

Tip sheet:

3 Quick Tips to Work Through Career Anxiety

1. Ask for feedback, but not too much. Getting feedback from supervisors is a great way to convince yourself that anxious thoughts aren’t based in reality. With that said, asking for reassurance too often can exacerbate anxiety.
2. Assess your work-life harmony. Work stress shouldn’t come home with you from the office. If anxiety about your job regularly affects your relationships, sleep, appetite, or hobbies, it’s time to come up with a better action plan.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Turning to a therapist for help navigating career anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the health insurance benefits you receive.