The Myths of Career Change
Chances are you already have many ideas about what it takes to successfully transition into a new career, even if you have never done it before. Some of those ideas might be useful - most probably are not. In this article I would like to expose The Myths of Career Change, which might actually be holding you back.
MYTH #1: PASSION AND WORK ARE NOT COMPATIBLE
In fact, research shows the opposite to be true. Most successful people are those who have learned to follow their passion. The problem is that many of us were taught to be rational when we make career decisions. So we buried our passion.
Think about your own career path. Maybe you were passionate about writing when you were younger, but made the rational choice to go into nursing. Maybe you were passionate about working with children, but decided accounting would be a "smarter" choice. (By the way, if nursing or accounting is your passion, and you followed it, congratulations.)
When we are passionate about our work, we are able to be spontaneous and joyful because we are tapping into our natural strengths and abilities. When we enjoy and are fully engaged in our work, our self-esteem is higher, and we are able to perform at a higher level.
On the other hand, when we are unable or unwilling to connect emotionally to our daily tasks, we are less likely to be successful. To draw an analogy, if you are in the wrong career, it is like a cactus trying to grow in the middle of a forest. It doesn't belong there, it won't grow - and the same is true for you. You won't grow and success will be very unlikely.
Myth #2: THE WAY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IS TO PICK A CAREER IN ORDER TO MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO SOMEDAY QUIT AND DO WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO
Again, studies confirm that this isn't what successful people do. They, instead, are so absorbed in their career they work long hours, think about their work constantly, talk about it to their partners and friends - they have that "fire in the belly." In other words, their commitment to their work is unwavering. But if you are working just make money and you are postponing enjoying your work for some later date, you will be unable to maintain that type of commitment over a long period of time. Successful people have made an important discovery - that the journey itself is even more important than the goal.
Myth #3: YOU NEED TO BE SURE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU START DOING SOMETHING
This belief holds people back from making any moves at all.
People who have successfully changed their career began by experimenting; trying out new opportunities part-time, on a small scale, beginning weekend projects, volunteering, taking night classes or going back to school. They found a way to "stick their toe in the water." When you begin exploring, you actually begin to experience your possible future and what it might feel and look like. You can then make adjustments in your course as you gain more experience and your direction becomes clearer.
The reason is simple. For years, you have been molded by what you do. Therefore, you need to actually start doing something else. If you are the kind of person that likes to do extensive research, make lists, take assessment tests, and research potential companies before making a move, do it. Gathering information can be useful. Don't forget, however, that you need to begin taking steps to try out what you are learning.
Career transition does not follow a straight line and no two transitions are the same. It can take 2-4 years and it is often a case of three steps forward and two steps back. By waiting until your plan is perfect, you increase the chance that no moves will be taken.
So, begin the search for where your passions lie. Start by doing experiments, trying things out. Don't let career change myths keep you stuck. By changing some of your beliefs about your transition, you will actually change the direction of your journey. Good luck.
About The Author
Jeffrey Levin is a career coach with Clarity and Action Partnership and is currently President-elect of the Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, L.A. Chapter. After working in the entertainment industry as a composer, in what he thought was his dream career, he found himself frustrated, disappointed and he made a radical shift in direction. "My journey has given me a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to navigate a major life transition."
Latest News
Wall Street Warfighters Foundation Selects First Wounded Vets for ... MarketWatch - "During their military careers, Staff Sergeant Jones and Master Sergeant Holmes demonstrated every day that they are disciplined, loyal, responsible leaders ... |
Cagle announces Lanier Charter Career Academy funding Access North Georgia, GA - The academies are unique centers of learning that provide Georgia's high school students with exceptional pathways to rewarding jobs, great careers and an ... |
Recession-proof your career - Employment expert offers job ... MyWebTimes.com, IL - ... understandable to be concerned about employment, there are steps workers can take to help them be more indispensable and “recession-proof” their career. ... |
Universities key to Michigan’s economic recovery Detroit Free Press, United States - ... but now many universities are in tune with emerging employment trends. Educators can provide invaluable guidance for workers seeking new career paths. ... |
‘Brain drain’ grant supports effort to prepare students for ... University of Indianapolis, United States - A substation of the university’s Office of Career Services will focus on employment opportunities for older students who have returned to higher education ... Butler to Use Grant to Deal With "Brain Drain" |
 Boston Globe | Losing jobs in unequal numbers Boston Globe, United States - (Robert E. Klein for The Boston Globe) By Robert Gavin The careers of Neal Boyle and Scott Hacker couldn't be more different. Boyle, whose education ended ... |
Sara Boyns named director of law firm The Salinas Californian, CA - We welcome information and photos regarding people, events and other aspects of Salinas-area business, including housing, careers and personal finance. ... |
Applied Marketing Science Research Study Instrumental in ... PR Web (press release), WA - Thus far, MIT has graduated two classes from the program, and nearly all have found suitable employment within their field. According to Jenny Stine, ... |
State agency posts personal data online Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - For 19 days in October, the sensitive personal information of at least 250000 Floridians was posted on a state government employment agency Web site, ... |
JA distributes guide to jewelry careers National Jeweler Network, NY - "Our industry offers countless employment opportunities for young people." The effort is part of JA's long-term strategy of examining and increasing ... |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time