FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) became a popular term with the rise of social media. It refers to the feeling of anxiety and insecurity caused by the constant comparison to others' achievements, experiences, and successes.
For some, this phenomenon is also present in relation to their careers. Comparisons to peers, colleagues, and even strangers on LinkedIn can cloud our judgment and diminish appreciation for our own achievements, negatively impacting our mental health and overall well-being.
Understanding the roots of career FOMO is essential for reclaiming your confidence and satisfaction in your professional life. By addressing the triggers and effects of this harmful mindset, you can take proactive steps to focus on your unique career journey instead of getting lost in comparison.
Understanding Career FOMO
At its core, career FOMO is a form of social anxiety triggered by the perception that others are experiencing more professional success or satisfaction than you. It affects professionals across all industries and experience levels.
But what exactly fuels this anxiety, and why has it become so prevalent?
social media overexposure
Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram provide a constant stream of career highlights from our network, often presenting an unrealistic view of others' professional lives.
Rapid technological advancements
The fast-paced evolution of industries can make professionals feel like they're constantly playing catch-up with new skills and knowledge.
changing job market
With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, traditional career paths are evolving, leading to uncertainty about the "right" career moves.
Cultural Emphasis on Achievement
Many societies place a high value on career success, creating pressure to constantly strive for more.
The Impact of Social Media on Career Perceptions
While social media can be a valuable tool for networking and professional development, it also plays a significant role in exacerbating career FOMO. The curated nature of social media posts means we're often comparing our behind-the-scenes to others' highlight reels.
Consider this: A former colleague posts about their exciting new job at a prestigious company. What you don't see is the months of job searching, numerous rejections, and personal sacrifices that led to that moment.
This selective sharing can create a skewed perception of others' career trajectories, leading to unrealistic expectations for our own paths.
Additionally, the algorithms that power social media platforms tend to show us more of what we engage with. If you frequently interact with career-related content, you're likely to see even more of it, potentially intensifying feelings of career FOMO.
It's crucial to remember that social media rarely tells the whole story.
The Psychologic Impact of Career Comparisons
Career FOMO isn't necessarily about envying others' success; it's about the fear that you're missing crucial opportunities for your own growth and advancement. It can manifest in various ways:
- Constantly comparing your career trajectory to peers
- Feeling pressure to accept every opportunity, even if they are not aligned with your goals
- Experiencing anxiety when seeing others' career-related posts on social media
- Second-guessing your career choices and feeling like you're falling behind
Comparing ourselves to others is a natural human tendency, but when it comes to our careers, these comparisons can have far-reaching effects on our mental health and job satisfaction. Dr. Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author, notes in Forbes, "Constantly questioning and doubting elements of your work life can negatively impact your performance, your sense of job satisfaction and your work-life happiness."
Career FOMO can lead to:
- Decreased Self-Esteem. When we perceive others as more successful, it can erode our confidence in our own abilities and achievements.
- Increased Anxiety. The fear of falling behind or missing out on opportunities can create a persistent state of worry and unease.
- Reduced Job Satisfaction. Focusing on what others have that we don't can blind us to the positive aspects of our current roles.
- Imposter Syndrome. Comparisons may fuel feelings of inadequacy, leading us to doubt our competence despite evidence of our capabilities.
- Burnout. The pressure to keep up with perceived competition can drive overwork and neglect of work-life balance.
Our brains are wired with various cognitive biases that can exacerbate career FOMO. Understanding these biases can help us recognize when they're influencing our perceptions.
Negativity Bias
We tend to give more weight to negative information than positive. In career terms, this means we're more likely to focus on perceived shortcomings rather than our accomplishments.
Confirmation Bias
Once we believe we're falling behind, we're more likely to notice information that confirms this belief while overlooking evidence to the contrary.
Availability Heuristic
We often judge the likelihood of something based on how easily we can recall examples. The frequent exposure to others' successes on social media can make us overestimate how common rapid career advancement is.
Social Comparison Bias
This is our tendency to compare ourselves to others, often unfavorably. In the context of careers, it can lead us to constantly measure our progress against that of our peers.
These biases can create a distorted view of our career progress and potential.
Strategies to Overcome Career FOMO
Recognizing the psychological impacts and cognitive biases that lead to career FOMO is a crucial step in addressing it.
5 actionable steps to help you navigate
1. focus on Personal growth and set realistic career goals
Instead of comparing yourself to others, concentrate on your own development. Identify areas where you want to grow and set achievable goals. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every step forward is a victory.
Define what success looks like for you. Create goals that align with your values and aspirations, rather than societal expectations. This personalized approach can help you stay motivated and focused on your unique path.
2. Practice gratitude and self-compassion
Regularly remind yourself of your achievements and the positive aspects of your career. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a sense of contentment and reducing feelings of FOMO.
3. limit social media use and curate your own feed
Be mindful of the time you spend on social media and the content you consume. Curate your feed to include accounts that inspire and uplift you, rather than those that trigger comparison and envy.
4. celebrate others' successes
Instead of feeling threatened by others' achievements, learn to celebrate them. Recognize that their success doesn't diminish your own potential. Supporting your peers can foster a positive work environment and strengthen professional relationships.
5. develop a growth Mindset
Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. A growth mindset encourages resilience and adaptability, helping you navigate setbacks and maintain a positive outlook on your career journey.
Navigating Career FOMO at Different Career Stages
Career FOMO can manifest differently depending on where you are in your professional journey. Here are some tailored strategies for various career stages.
Early Career: Embracing Exploration and learning
In the early stages of your career, focus on gaining diverse experiences and learning new skills. This exploratory phase is crucial for discovering your interests and strengths, so don't rush to settle into a specific path.
mid-career: Finding YOur unique path
As you progress in your career, it's important to define your unique path. Reflect on your experiences and identify what truly fulfills you. This clarity can guide your decisions and help you avoid the trap of comparison.
Late career: Focusing on Legacy and Mentorship
In the later stages of your career, consider the impact you want to leave behind. Focus on mentoring others and sharing your knowledge. This sense of purpose can be fulfilling and help you appreciate your journey.
Career FOMO is a common challenge in today's fast-paced, connected world. By understanding its triggers and impacts, and implementing strategies to overcome it, you can focus on your unique career journey and find genuine satisfaction in your professional life.
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References:
Feeling career FOMO? Here’s How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others; SideKick; Sabrina Sanchez
https://www.morningbrew.com/sidekick/stories/career-FOMO-work-life
How to Let Go of Career FOMO; Squiggly Careers podcast
https://www.amazingif.com/listen/how-to-let-go-of-career-fomo/
How to Stop 'Career FOMO' From Ruining Your Work Life; NBC News Better by Today; Nicole Spector
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/business/how-keep-career-fomo-ruining-your-work-life-ncna840351
How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others in the Workplace; LinkedIn; Dylan Kohlstädt
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-stop-comparing-yourself-others-workplace-dylan-kohlst%C3%A4dt/