The Career Trap: How FOMO Can Hold You Back
Ever feel like you’re falling behind while everyone else is moving ahead? Like your peers are making big career moves, landing promotions, or building businesses while you’re stuck in place? That’s Career FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—and it’s something many of us struggle with, even when we don’t realize it.
I know FOMO all too well. As a child, I wanted to do everything my older sister did. When she got math homework, I begged my kindergarten teacher for my own—because if she had it, I needed it too.
It sounds funny now, but that feeling of “I’m missing out” followed me into adulthood.
In my government career, when I saw colleagues get promoted, I’d think, Why not me? Even now, as a freelance coach, I sometimes catch myself wondering, Am I doing enough? Should I be further ahead?
FOMO is sneaky. It makes you compare your journey to someone else’s and convinces you that you’re behind—even when you’re exactly where you need to be.
The Biggest Issue with Career FOMO
The biggest issue with FOMO in our careers is that it shifts our focus away from our own growth and success and onto someone else’s journey. Instead of making intentional choices that align with our values, strengths, and long-term goals, we start reacting to what others are doing—chasing promotions, career moves, or business milestones just because we feel like we should.
Here’s why that’s a problem:
It creates a false sense of falling behind. Seeing others achieve career milestones can make us feel like we’re stuck—even when we’re making steady progress.
It leads to career decisions based on pressure, not purpose. Jumping into a new job or training program out of FOMO can leave us feeling lost or unfulfilled.
It distracts us from our own path. Instead of focusing on our next step, we waste energy worrying about someone else’s timeline.
It fuels self-doubt. Comparing ourselves to others can make us question if we’re doing enough or if we’re even good enough.
How to Overcome Career FOMO
So, what can you do instead of letting FOMO take over? Try shifting your mindset with these simple habits:
✅ Define Your Own Version of Success – What does a fulfilling career look like for you? Not based on what others are doing.
✅ Focus on Your Next Best Step – What’s one small action you can take today to move forward? Small steps lead to big wins.
✅ Celebrate Your Progress – Every career journey has highs and lows. Recognize how far you’ve come.
✅ Surround Yourself with Supportive People – Connect with those who uplift and inspire you, not those who make you feel “less than.”
✅ Trust the Process – Success takes time. Your path is unfolding exactly as it should.
FOMO doesn’t have to control your career decisions. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by comparison, let’s chat. Together, we’ll map out a strategy to break free from FOMO and get you on track to reach your goals.
📩 DM me or book a free consultation today using my Calendly.
Your career deserves it. 🌟
Visit leadtochange.ca to learn more or schedule a free discovery session.
