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 be holding you back.
MYTH # 1: PASSION AND WORK ARE NOT COMPATIBLE
Research shows the opposite to be true. Most successful people are those who have learned to follow their passion. We need to make rational career decisions. So we bury our loves and desires.
Think about your career path. Maybe you were passionate about writing when you were younger, but made the rational choice to go into nursing. Perhaps you were excited 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 can 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 can 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 become– and the same is right for you. You won’t grow, and success will be doubtful.
Myth # 2: THE WAY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IS TO PICK A CAREER TO MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO QUIT SOMEDAY AND DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.
Again, studies confirm that this isn’t what successful people do, but instead, they become so absorbed in their career and work long hours, think about their work regularly, 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 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. 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 careers began by experimenting, trying out new opportunities part-time, on a small scale, starting 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 start to experience how your possible future might feel and look. Then you can make strategy adjustments during your career transition as you gain more experience, and your direction becomes more apparent.
The reason is simple. For years, you have been moulded by what you do. Therefore, you need to 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 transformations 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 there will be no moves.
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 change the direction of your journey. Good luck.
©Wordscapes®, David Turner – All Rights Reserved
