10 Career Change Myths

The idea of changing careers may seem overwhelming, but you'll be pleased to know that it can't be as difficult as you might think. That's why we put together this post on 10 common misconceptions about career change. For example, did you know that the average job-hopper is just 29 years old? You're never too old to make a career change — and if it's something you really want or need to do, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

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It is never too late … Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of ways to make a career switch after age 50 or 60. With the right exit strategy, it also makes sense to take advantage of your experience and education, since you might be able to earn more than you otherwise would.

…to change careers. The average age at which people change jobs is 29 — far earlier than many people think! Most career changes are not due to getting fired from one job and looking for a new one that pays more money. In fact, almost half of all job switches are voluntary decisions about where a person wants to go in their career.

You don't have to get burned before you can fly. It’s not true that you need to have been a victim of a terrible job before you can make a different choice. Life will have thrown many bad or lousy situations at you, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay with what has hurt you. You don’t get back the time that has been wasted by staying in bad jobs.

If you try for one year, it will take two years to do something about it if it doesn't work out. Just because your new career isn’t as lucrative as what you were doing before and maybe your first attempt didn't work out too well, doesn't mean that a second time around won't be better than what you tried before. Don’t throw in the towel before you have tried.

You have to be well-qualified. Only 4% of career switchers had some doubt about their ability to do the job, and less than 20% had to get specialist training. Most people are successful because they have determination and a strong work ethic.

You need special qualifications or training. Almost half of those who changed careers didn’t need any specific qualifications – and only a third had to gain any new skills or experience. If people could go back, however, many would have been better prepared for their new career.

If you quit your job, you have to wait until your benefits are up. This can be true if it's a short-term job, but not for long-term jobs. If a person feels that their work situation is unsatisfactory, and wants a change, the employer may not object to them quitting. If the unemployment benefit is larger than what they would have earned at the new job (if they could get anything), there is usually no problem at all.

It's important to know what you're up against. It's not true that you have to have a crystal ball and know what you're going to get into in order to make a career change. Twenty-five percent of people who moved on did so because they could foresee that their current situation was likely to deteriorate — which is the most common reason for changing careers.

You need a new company before you can make a change. The old adage "if you want something done, do it yourself" is true. You are the person who needs to motivate yourself, and then put your ideas into action — don't count on others to do it for you.

You need lots of money or support from your family or friends before you can make a change. Many people who change careers do so with the support of family or friends. If you want to make a move, find a way to finance your new business. If you have enough money saved, you have options — and don’t let anyone tell you that there’s no way to make a change.

If you don't succeed in one job, it's not as important as if you do in another job. In other words: "You will probably be more successful at finding work on your second try than by waiting."

You need a particular person's permission before changing careers is possible. If you have to have your boss's permission, that is not the answer. If you're unsure, keep trying until you find something else you can do … before giving up on yourself.

It's not needed to make a career change. The average American changes jobs five times in a lifetime and has 10 different jobs by age 30. Most people are seeking an environment where they feel appreciated and where they can develop their skills and talents.

References: Hubspot, LinkedIn, Business Insider Idea Finder, Huffington Post, U.S. News & World Report, About Careers, The Fiscal Times

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John Wood is the CEO of Blinds Canada , a leading provider of custom window coverings in Toronto and Vancouver. In his three decades in the business, John has authored six best-selling books on window coverings and is a popular business consultant that helps small businesses get found online.

PHOTO CREDITS: Halfpoint / depositphotos.com, StockSnap.io, The Value of Money, Golden Pixels LLC / depositphotos.com, Maskot / depositphotos.com, Rawpixel Ltd / depositphotos.com, Maksim Shmeljov / depositphotos.com

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The Career Change Checklist: 10 Warning Signs You Should Quit Your Job and Find a New Career

The secret to workplace happiness might be simpler than you think — but it's not easy.

Conclusion:

Whether you're ready to launch a career change or just starting to consider it, there's never been a better time than right now.

There are so many options available, and the most important is whatever makes YOU happy!

And if you’re not happy, if you need a little help getting started or have any questions or thoughts on this article, please share them in the comments. I would love to hear from you! <3

Career Transition / Career Change Articles:

Photo Credits: Halfpoint / depositphotos.com, StockSnap.io, The Value of Money, Golden Pixels LLC / depositphotos.