There are a lot of career myths out there, and they could be holding you back.
We debunk six of the most common myths career myths so you can put them behind you and get on with following your dreams.
1. You’ll Discover the Perfect Career
People often dream they’ll discover the ‘perfect’ career, even though they’re not sure what it is!
The problem is that every option they consider is imperfect in some way, so they keep discarding the options. They’re eternally stuck in a waiting room where the perfect door never opens, so they never make a move.
Stop searching for career perfection and start aiming to find something you’ll enjoy doing. (Click to Tweet)
2. Career Change Is For Losers
There is a belief that you only change careers when you’re failing at what you’re doing. That’s a lie.
The truth is that careers are a bit like relationships, and sometimes they run their course. Sometimes you find yourself waking up and realising that you’ve grown apart – things aren’t working so well, and it’s time for a change.
That can be hard, but not as hard as putting up with something that’s no longer working for you.
3. You Should Stick to What You Know
Saying you should stick to what you know is a mistake, particularly if it’s not satisfying you. That’s like saying you should never upgrade your mobile phone because you’ll have to adjust to a new one.
The truth is that your career needs upgrading any time it’s not meeting you needs – or when you can see a better option.
As one of our students recently wrote,
“I was trapped in [my previous role] and you went the extra mile to help place me in a position so I could study and change my present situation and my future.”
4. The Right Role Never Feels Like Work
The perfect job for you will be imperfect in some ways. It’s the old 80-20 rule in action.
The trick is to find a job where you enjoy 80% of the role and tolerate the 20% that’s not so much fun. Because the truth is that no job will allow you to do what you want when you want.
The perfect job is mostly enjoyable but it does feel like work for a small part of the time.
5. You’ll Know What You Want To Be When You “Grow Up”
Your career is not a lightning bolt from the blue. Sure, some people experience clarity and know exactly what they want to do throughout their life, but most people don’t.
Most of us try different roles at different times – constantly building on our life experience. Don’t fight it – accept it. It’s OK to find something enjoyable to do now and make changes as you evolve.
6. You Can’t Pursue Your Passion
Here’s a secret that most people don’t know. Most people are too scared to pursue their passion. They don’t dare to live their dreams in case they fail. (Click to Tweet)
Truly courageous people know that life is short and it’s better to pursue your passion than fail to follow your dream. Even if you fail to carry out your greatest dreams, you can try again, and again.
Character is built through perseverance.
Imagine The Possibilities
Some people say that Thomas Edison failed thousands of times when he was inventing the lightbulb. Ten thousand times, in fact.
Edison said,
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Imagine if he’d given up – we’d all be sitting around in the dark!
Here’s another secret you may not know. You have amazing possibilities in front of you, ripe for the picking.
One of our students wrote,
“I am overwhelmed at the thought of not only being offered full time work but to have the opportunity to be a part of this team… Thank you so very much”
We support people to achieve their dreams, even when they think they can’t.
We can support you too, just give us a try.
