Fear of Failure: A Barrier To Women Pursuing A Career in Tech… Here’s What it Looks Like

fear of failure

Yesterday I posted about the fear of failure as a barrier that women experience when wanting a career in tech, and included some strategies on how to overcome it.  However, I realised I provided solutions to overcome it without fully addressing the common reasons women may be afraid of failing in their new tech career.

Are you a woman who’s been dreaming of making a career change into tech but find yourself stuck in fear of failure?  You’re not alone. Many women who want to transition into tech careers may feel overwhelmed by a few different things that lead to paralysis of taking action.

We’ll explore some of the common reasons why women suffer from fear of failure:

The Pressure to Succeed

As women, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to succeed, which can lead to fear of failure.  When it comes to transitioning into tech careers, this pressure can be amplified. Many women may feel like they have to prove themselves in a male-dominated industry, which can add an extra layer of stress and anxiety.

To overcome this fear, it’s important to remember that everyone experiences failure at some point in their career. Failure is not the end of the road but an opportunity to learn and grow. Focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the table. Be confident in yourself and your abilities.

The Unknown

Transitioning into a new career can be daunting, especially if it’s in an unfamiliar field.  The fear of the unknown can hold you back from taking risks and pursuing new opportunities.  Lord knows, the amount of opportunities I have lost in the past due to the fear of the unknown, deciding it was best to stick to the status quo, that comfort zone. Ever heard the quote: “Comfort zones are where dreams go to die”?  That certainly rings true to me.

To overcome this fear, it’s important to do your research.  Learn as much as you can about the tech industry and the roles you’re interested in.  Attend events, network with professionals in the field, and take courses to gain new skills and knowledge. By gaining a better understanding of the industry, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to make the transition.

Self-Doubt

Self-doubt can be a major obstacle for women who want to transition into tech careers. You may feel like you don’t have the right skills or experience to succeed in the field.  Sometimes you wind yourself up so much about it that self sabotage creeps in and halts what little progress you were able to make towards the career change.  However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be an expert to start. Everyone has to start somewhere.

To overcome self-doubt, focus on your strengths and the skills you already have that can transfer to the tech industry. Take courses, attend workshops, and gain hands-on experience to build your skills and confidence.  Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your potential.

Negativity from the Naysayers

When women express an interest in pursuing a career in tech, they may encounter negative reactions from people around them, such as friends or coworkers, and family members (also known as the naysayers).   Family members can actually be the worst for this one, and usually has the most impact if you let it set in.  Naysayers are individuals who express doubt, scepticism, or negativity towards someone’s career goals, and they can have a detrimental effect on a person’s self-confidence and motivation.  These naysayers may try to discourage them from pursuing their goals, citing reasons such as lack of experience, the competitive job market, or even their gender.

This negativity can make women doubt their abilities and question whether they are truly capable of succeeding in the tech industry.  It can also create feelings of isolation and loneliness, as they may feel like they don’t have the support they need to pursue their goals.  However, it’s important for women to remember that the opinions of naysayers don’t define their worth or potential.  To overcome this, they should focus on surrounding themselves with positive and supportive people, seeking out mentors, coaches and role models in the industry, and focusing on their strengths and passions, women can overcome the negativity and pursue a successful career in tech.

What reasons have you experienced that have caused your fear of failure when it comes to making a change to your dream career in tech? Let me know in the comments below.

If you’re a woman (or you know of one) who feels frustrated in your current job, and need support to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech, book a complimentary discovery call here to find out how I can help you on your journey to a fulfilling career in tech.

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