If you have been dreaming of making a career change but for some reason never acted on that dream, you might be operating under a false assumption. In fact, there are several career change myths that can be explained away or at the very least worked around.

Career Myth:

#1) There’s no way for you to make a living doing something you love.
Hmm...sounds like fear talking. Work doesn’t have to be something that you dread. Don’t buy into the myth that work has to be drudgery – you can actually make a living and you don’t have to sacrifice your happiness to do it!

That is not to say it will be simple. Clearly you will have to find a viable career and market. Do your homework.

• Research careers of interest.
• Find and interview people who are working successfully in the careers you are interested in and find out how they made it work.
• Know what you need in terms of education/certifications.
• Make a plan to go after it.

Why wouldn’t you be able to make a living doing what you love especially if you have done your homework, developed a career plan, and gained the necessary expertise?

#2) It is far too risky to change careers.

Actually there is risk either way. Remember, there is no such thing as permanent employment anymore. We’ve all heard the stories about the gold watches they used to give out at retirement time, and we know that those stories become rarer by the day.

• Assess whether it is riskier staying in place or moving on to something new. If you’re living with a career decision you regret, is it best to stick with it and hate work or is it time to move on? Personal sanity is at risk if you hate your job and stay in it.
• Obviously you have to decide whether a career move is right for you.
• Consider your own aspirations and remember that your career is in the hands of your employer. Do you want to have a bit more say about your career?

The bottom line is that any employer you work for will have their own interests rather than yours in mind. If you’re fine with that, stay where you are and if you’re not, set goals and create a plan then execute your career change.

#3) The job market is far too tough to make a change.

You’re right, it is a tough market. The myth is that there are no growth areas. Actually there are growth areas. Most job seekers look for the same type of job they held in the past and that tactic is not always effective. Career changers have to be savvy – knowing what areas are growing is essential to success.

Job seekers must be committed to lifelong learning and learn how to project future market needs. Smart job seekers will be ready for anything – that means they will be well educated, hold or work towards additional certifications and be ready for career change at the drop of a hat.

Since the market is ever changing, it will always be important to keep up with those changes. In essence, the job market will be less tough on those willing to embrace change.

There are lots of career myths. However, career plans are essential to career change success – that’s no myth.