Conquering Career Fears: Thriving in the Tech Industry Despite Adversity

Fear! Fear!! Fear!!! It's human nature to react with fear when threatened. Our response or the way we react to threat, failure and emergencies matters most. I want to ask a question, what do you do when you fail? Do you quit as a result of fear that you will fail again, or do you continue to pursue your goal?

1. What is fear?

Fear is an obstruction that has the potential to prevent one from achieving a goal that one has set out to achieve in life. Fear is projected by our emotions, but not just any feeling; it is primal and instinctive. A reaction to fear is activated when one meets with something that one’s brain has processed as dangerous, and when one physically sees this, the person's heart rate increases and his sense of alertness become high. In response to fear, majority of people give themselves the impression that they do not have what it takes to move on with their lives, even though they do. Whereas, a fact we do not realize until confronted with it is that fear can be a motivator.

People tend to fear for so many reasons, but the fear of failure is the most rampant today – especially career failure; some people respond with fear when they fail after some trials. They become afraid to try again because a voice in their minds keep asking them “What if you fail again?” – fear of failure can hinder innovation and risk-taking. In the tech industry for example, taking risks and experimenting with new ideas is crucial for growth and success.

2. Why do people fear?

People fear when they fail after so many trials. Some fear, even before they venture into the task. They may begin to panic as a result of fear of the unknown due to dynamic changes that keeps on evolving in career. The fear of obsolescence, majorly in tech industry, affects some beginners and even professionals, as they think that their skills can become outdated and they won’t be able to meet up with the competitive market demands. This fear can lead to a sense of insecurity and a reluctance to invest time and effort in learning new skills.

Likewise, because some people are not well rooted in the skills or lack enough technical know-how in a particular field, they start having the pervasive feeling of inadequacy and fear of being exposed as ‘fraud’, this is known as Imposter syndrome and this can hinder confidence and thereby limiting career progression by causing individuals to doubt their abilities and accomplishments.

Another thing that makes people to exhibit fear is work-life balance. As we all know the demands expected for one to practice a career in Nigeria and particularly, in the fast-paced tech industry, taking web developer as an instance, a single person may be responsible for front-end, back-end, graphics, and even product management; how will this person maintain a good work-life balance? With this, the person can manifest fears related to work-life balance. The pressure to meet deadlines, work long hours, and stay constantly connected can contribute to fears of burnout, impacting overall well-being and job satisfaction.

However, since most industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusion. Individuals from underrepresented groups may fear discrimination or bias, which can impact their sense of belonging and hinder their ability to thrive in their careers. The fear of rejection or criticism can hinder collaboration and the sharing of ideas in the tech community. Fear of being dismissed or ridiculed for proposing new concepts or solutions can stifle creativity and prevent valuable contributions to projects and discussions. This fear can lead to a lack of open communication and innovation within teams, thereby impeding progress in the tech journey.

Fear can abort a career dream by paralyzing individuals, making them unwilling to take risks and explore uncharted territories. Fear can significantly impact a career in tech, hindering progress, stifling creativity, it can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation, preventing career advancement and personal growth. However, there are ways to overcome these fears and thrive in the tech industry.

3. Ways of Overcoming Career Fears

First, to overcome the fear of failure one has to embrace a growth mindset. This has to do with cultivating a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Embracing a growth mindset allows individuals to view setbacks as temporary and to be open to new experiences and challenges, fostering resilience in the face of fear.

For the fear of being obsolete and being outdated in a field, then continuous learning will help in overcoming this fear. Since tech industry is ever evolving, then continuous learning is essential. This is done by investing in ongoing education and staying updated on new technologies and industry trends, individuals can build confidence and competence, reducing the fear of being left behind.

Addressing imposter syndrome involves acknowledging one's accomplishments, recognizing those feelings of inadequacy, and reframing negative self-perceptions. Seeking support from peers and mentors can also help combat imposter syndrome.

For the fear of being rejected, seeking guidance from mentors and peers that provide valuable perspective and support goes a long way. Mentors can offer advice and encouragement, helping individuals navigate their fears and develop strategies to overcome challenges. Also, encouraging open communication, feedback, and collaboration within teams can help mitigate the fear of rejection or criticism. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, individuals can feel more confident in sharing their ideas and contributing to collective innovation.

Setting realistic and achievable goals and milestones can provide direction and a sense of accomplishment, reducing the fear of falling short. Breaking down larger objectives into manageable tasks can make daunting challenges more approachable. Implementing stress-reducing techniques, such as mindfulness, proper time management, and work-life balance, can help individuals manage the anxieties that often accompany fear in the tech industry.

Moreover, recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, both big and small, can bolster confidence and motivation, providing a positive counterbalance to the fears and insecurities that may arise in a tech career.

4. Conclusion

FEAR HAS THE POWER TO KILL YOUR DREAM but you have more power to KILL THAT FEAR. Acquaint yourself with your phobias, investigate the origin of your anxieties. Face your fears head-on and do it anyhow and at the end you will see YOU CAN DO IT.