4 of the Biggest Career Change Myths Debunked

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of people transition into new careers.

Many of them had untrue beliefs and assumptions about what it takes to make a career change.

Once they realised these myths were unhelpful and holding them back, they were able to move forward with much more confidence.

If you’re thinking about changing careers but haven’t yet taken action, there must be something that’s holding you back.

Here are 4 of the most common myths I hear, along with the truths that debunk them.

? Myth 1: It’s too late to change careers

Many people feel stuck in their ways, convinced by their own negative self-talk, or simply too comfortable in their current situation.

It’s especially common for senior professionals who have been in the same industry or role for many years. They feel like they have invested too much time, money, energy, and stress to throw their career away and start again.

For others, the prestige of a particular company or job title is hard to let go of. They might feel that having a similar social status from another career path is unattainable.

? Truth:? It’s never too late to change careers

While we often overestimate what we can achieve in one year, we underestimate what we can do in three years. Change is possible if you are committed to it, you just need to give yourself a reasonable time horizon.

Many people have successfully changed careers well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. What matters most is your commitment and willingness to adapt and learn.

The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and back yourself to make it happen. Knowledge is now more accessible than ever. You have everything you need at your fingertips from courses to content to an untapped network.

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? Myth 2: You Need to Start from Scratch

It’s easy to believe that nothing from your old career is transferable and that you will be completely incompetent in a new field

This fear often stems from the misconception that a career change means abandoning all previous experience and beginning again as an entry-level worker.

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? Truth: You have more value than you realise

Feeling like you need to start from scratch is a classic case of The Sunken Cost Fallacy – making decisions about the future based on past investments. If you keep investing time and energy into a career you dislike, you won’t improve your career or life.

Many of your current skills are transferable to a new career. While additional training might be needed, you’re rarely starting from zero.

Nothing in your career is wasted; everything you’ve learned can be applied in a new context. Many senior professionals who make a career transition find that their unique backgrounds make them more attractive to potential employers.

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? Myth 3: Changing careers is too risky

Concerns about financial stability, such as bills, mortgages, and children, often make people believe that the risk of failure is higher than the chance of success.

There’s also a fear that they must drop everything for a new career shift and can never return to their old career.

This fear of the unknown can be paralysing, especially when current responsibilities and financial obligations are at stake.

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? Truth: It’s not an all-or-nothing decision

A gradual change reduces the probability of failure. And while any change involves some risk, careful planning and preparation can reduce these risks.

And besides, as long as you don’t burn bridges, you can always return to your previous career if things don’t work out.

Taking things step by step, doing your research, building a financial cushion, and developing a solid plan can significantly increase your chances of a smooth career transition.

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? Myth 4: You need a perfect plan before you start

Many believe every detail needs to be ironed out before switching careers. They fear making a move without being 100% ready and waiting for a ‘magic moment’ of clarity.

This myth often leads to analysis paralysis, where overthinking prevents any action from being taken.

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? Truth: You will never feel 100% ready

It’s impossible to predict every detail of your career change journey. ?Start with a solid plan but remain open to adjustments as you progress.

As the saying goes, 'Good enough now is better than perfect'. Taking action is far more important than having a perfect plan.

There will always be unexpected obstacles and challenges, so approach your career change with an open mind. According to Murphy’s Law, if something can go wrong, it will – so being flexible is key.

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Feel the fear and do it anyway

Most people who make a career change do so without 100% conviction about what they want to do or how it will happen.

They figure it out over time by taking the time to figure out who they are, what impact they want to make

They achieve this by doing intensive research and networking with professionals already in their desired field. ?

The best gift that you can give to yourself is being happy and fulfilled.

By debunking these common myths, you can move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Have the confidence to take a new step forward, be clear on your value and take action without waiting for the perfect moment.

It’s never too late to pursue a new career path.

As a Career Coach, I specialise in career transition coaching and professional branding.

Here's how I can help you:

?? Actualising Your Value - Helping you create and communicate your unique value proposition through your CV, LinkedIn profile, and interview techniques.

?? Job Search Support - Assisting you in securing the job that truly reflects your desired title and compensation.

?? Career Change Guidance - Helping you discover a new career path and navigate the transition smoothly.

Feel free to reach out to arrange a conversation.