12 Career Growth Myths Busted

Navigating the landscape of #CareerDevelopment is often fraught with misconceptions that can lead you astray. I will debunk some of these myths from my experience and pave the way for a clearer, more strategic approach to your professional growth.

1. Career Growth Means a Bigger Salary

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Career growth also encompasses skill development, increased responsibilities, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. True growth can mean gaining experiences that enrich your professional journey and personal fulfillment.

2. I Am Too Young / Too Old to Perform in This or That Field or Industry

Age should never be a barrier to pursuing a career you're passionate about. The notion that age limits your career choices is outdated and this IS VALID for women, too (I see you). Many industries value the unique perspectives and experiences that both young and older professionals bring to the table. The key is to know the value you bring to the table and to PITCH it all the time.

3. I Just Need to Find My Passion and Then I Will Be Happy / Make More Money / Feel Less Tired

Passion is important, but it is not a magic solution. Sometimes passion is lost or on the contrary, a job "grows on you" and you become more passionate about it after a couple of months or years. Career satisfaction also depends on the work environment, colleagues, growth opportunities, and work-life balance - all these are "career drivers". So besides, passion, what else drives you in your career? From my experience, I recommend a balanced approach to career development that considers ALL the CAREER DRIVERS that are important to you.

4. Do What You Love and Then You Will Never Work a Day in Your Life

This phrase, while inspiring, my experiences prove it to be STUPID. Even when you love your job, there will be challenging days. Every career has its ups and downs, and it's normal to experience stress and fatigue, even in a job you love. Sometimes you can get "emotionally exhausted" or "compassion exhaustion" in some fields of work that require helping people in need, contributing to a cause, etc. You feel drained at the end of the day and live a conflicting reality: a love-hate relationship starts to build.

5. If I Change the Work Field After 30 Years Old, I Will Have to Start From Scratch

Switching careers later in life does not mean starting over. When I say "later in life", this is valid after 50 as well. You just have to have the energy and enthusiasm for the change. Transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving are valuable in any industry - and again you need to PITCH these proactively! Very few (gifted) recruiters will spend time to "connect the dots" and identify what skills are transferable. Furthermore, your prior experience can provide a unique edge in your new field if you know how to SELL it and position yourself. So is this an excuse or are you ready for the journey? Do you dare to put some "skin in the game" or just home to be "head-hunted"?

6. There Is a Perfect Job for Me and I Will Keep Searching Until I Find It

The idea of a "perfect job" is a myth and continuous search is worse than making the wrong decision. Career paths are not a straight line, they are squiggly. Job satisfaction often comes from finding a role that fits well with your current life stage and personal goals. So redefine the "perfect job" into the "right job for me right now" and establish a timeframe for your search. Set a limit of getting 3 offers and CHOOSING one instead of looking for something perfect incessantly. Just live a little! Flexibility and an open mind can lead to fulfilling career matches.

7. Choose Your Bachelor's Specialization Carefully Because It Will Determine Your Job Opportunities

This one is from the moms of teenagers and zealous outdated teachers. While certain specializations can lead to specific career paths and yes to become a "nuclear scientist" you need to study it in university, many graduates find careers unrelated to their degree. More precisely, the average of students working in a different field from their degrees, at the European level is ~30%. The job market values diverse skills and experiences, and lifelong learning can lead to new opportunities regardless of your initial specialization. Even if you chose your Bachelor's and are a student in the 2nd year, you shouldn't feel your job-fate is written already, because you can learn new things ongoing, or in advance/towards a new qualification. It is called "pre-skilling" and it's currently trending in the corporate environment.

8. Work Hard and They Will See You and Reward You, Success Will Come

Hard work is important, but visibility and strategic networking are equally crucial. Advocating for yourself, seeking mentors, and building professional relationships can significantly enhance your career trajectory especially NOW. This view is outdated and belongs to an era when "entrepreneurial thinking" was "bad for employees". Nowadays, entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial thinking, a proactive / initiative-driven mindset, is gold for any employer who knows what's best for them, from 10-ppl companies to 100k-ppl companies.

9. Career Development Is Important at the Beginning; After All, How Many Certificates Can Someone Have?

Career development is a lifelong process and you'd better get used to it. Ongoing career development brings new opportunities, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and will keep Alzheimer's away, too. Continuous learning and adapting to industry changes are essential at all career stages. There is a catch though: to love learning you need to feel safe, block time for it, have immediate applicability, and see why you are doing it. It's not easy, but in my experience, nothing that is worth fighting for comes easy.

10. Job-Hopping Is Bad

Frequent job changes can be beneficial. I recommend them every 3-5 years, depending on your level of seniority, field of work, and how appreciated you are. Job-hopping is also the fastest way to get a salary increase! It also offers you diverse experiences and opportunities to learn new skills. The key is to ensure each move aligns with your career goals and adds value to your professional journey. Do you know your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? If you don't have an answer for these questions, then yes, job-hopping "is bad". As the Cheshire cat from "Alice in Wonderland" said: "if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."

11. CV Gaps Are Shameful and Irreparable

Life happens, and CV gaps are common. First, take a deep breath and reflect on what you learned from these gaps. Write these things down and rephrase them in work/life competencies. I am sure you have learned something from each CV gap. Whether due to personal reasons, education, or a career break, how you explain these gaps and the skills or experiences you gained during that time matters. More importantly, explain these gaps proactively, with no shame, and PITCH what you learned from them. Mothering increases patience and communication skills and this comes as no surprise! How about taking care of a sick relative? Or traveling? Or just taking a year off from learning burnout? EACH of these taught you something! SELL THAT!

12. You Can Always Learn Tech Skills and Shift Your Career Into IT

It's the most common myth I keep hearing. As a Computer Science graduate switching into Talent Development, while still tinkering with graphics and web design, I can tell you for sure that learning software programming is one thing, and doing it for a living 8 hours a day, is a different thing. While it's true that tech skills are in demand and you can teach yourself Python using ChatGPT, a successful transition into IT requires more than just learning new skills. It involves understanding the industry, gaining relevant experience, and often starting in entry-level positions to build credibility and expertise. Also...you must LOVE IT PEOPLE AT WORK. Some are hard to live with. I married a nuclear scientist turned blockchain engineer and love every day with him, but working together is a whole different "omelette du fromage" ;)

Conclusion

Understanding and challenging these career growth myths can lead to a more fulfilling and realistic approach to professional development. By broadening your perspectives on what "career growth" entails, you can navigate your path with greater confidence and clarity.

Drop me a DM or email at [email protected] if you feel stuck and some of these myths block your road ahead. We can work on this 1to1 in career development coaching and use tools, develop strategies to #DareDo - push through bravely - or make learning plans to pre-skill for your next move on THE map we draw together for a career that is aligned to who you are.