There are many things that stop of us from pursuing the job or career that we really want, including fear of failure, fear of success, loss of income and personal status. One of the greatest blockers to actually going out there and having a satisfying career can be our “significant others”, of which partners hold a great deal of influence. They may hold us back, consciously or unconsciously, so it’s important that we are aware of the blockers around us that prevent us from achieving a fulfilling career.
In my experience as a Recruiter and Career Coach – and just in general with friends and family – I have seen this occur where one person has made up their mind to make a major career change; be that setting up their own business, enrolling in further study, taking a career side-step or contracting, which has been blocked by a significant other. This occurs for various reasons, such as a change in job or career resulting in less income, a different lifestyle, cultural or family beliefs, and lack of comfort with themselves.
You can never underestimate the influence that our significant others have in our careers, so long as we let them. Also, it is important to understand when they are expressing their views where they are coming from and if it is actually about them, or about you and your career satisfaction.
A great article that will help you assess those who are helping and hindering your career change is Discover How Supportive Your Significant Others Are of Your Job or Career Change.
