Posted By: Marcia Robinson In: Career Goals and Motivation Professionals sometimes don't realize that their misconceptions about career planning could be stalling career success.
Many people, including very successful professionals, hold on to misconceptions about how to achieve career success. Many believe, incorrectly so, that there is only one path to achieve career happiness or find "career nirvana".
If you are struggling with career choices or looking for a job, you might be the recipient of a lot of "free", well-intentioned career advice from people who are themselves gainfully employed. Think carefully about acting on some of the career advice you receive since it may be based in myth and not in reality.
To be successful, you must explore and debunk any career myths or perceptions that could hold you back. As Olivia Crosby says in an article for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Don't be a victim to your own misconceptions."
Myth 1 There is only one perfect career out there waiting for me. This is not true. Just as there is no one right way to write a resume, there are multiple options for career happiness. Recognizing this fundamental fact can lower personal stress and leave you open to options not previously considered.
Myth 2 Sticking with the same career for life will show commitment. Not necessarily. A potential employer could see it as a fear of learning new things and an unwillingness to grow professionally.
Myth 3 I have to stick to what I studied in college to build a career. No you do not. There is a distinct difference between selecting a college major and building a career. An overwhelming majority of college majors can lead to multiple careers.
Myth 4 Only experiences and competencies gained through paid employment are important to determining what I do next. Definitely not. Skills developed through both personal and professional experiences can become the basis for future career options.
Myth 5 New training or education is only for young people and for full time students. Did you know that the average age of a community college student is 29 and that 80% are employed?
Myth 6 Work life balance is a myth; I have to choose between being happy in a career and having a family. The workplace has evolved. More employers recognize the value of offering flexibility to workers and are increasingly supportive of the work life balance of employees.
Myth 7 I should be looking for a "safe" industry with job security. Don't be fooled. Workers are let go, downsized and furloughed from so-called recession-proof industries such as healthcare, education or government all the time.
Comments
Posted by: Robert
What about the silver hair crowd who have been out of the industry for 8 years?? Is there hope of getting back into communications??
Posted by: Michelle Preyer
Thanks for the tips on the seven myths to career building! It has been rough finding a good paying job in Michigan, I have really been trying, especially since I received my Masters! Do you know how that feels? Terrible!!!!Sincerely,M.R.Preyer
Posted by: Michelle Preyer
Thanks for all the information on resume writing!
Posted by: Allen Hamilton
Dear Marcia;Great article and good suggestions. No matter what age I find that it is the experience, wisdom, education and knowledge presented with personality that makes the points. After all, what is the real product here? YOU! Each of us needs to get out of the grandstands and get onto the playing field. No helmets or pads just courage. Lots of successful plays with a few rejections always heading for the red zone. Then the touchdown. Happy New Year.My best,Allen
Posted by: Gloria
Thanks for all the good advice. I was laid off in December. I now need to get myself out there and look for a job. It's not easy with this bad economy.Sincerely,Gloria
Posted by: Kevan Peer
Thanks for the helpful articles.
Posted by: Gloria OLander
I'd like to work in helping industries, like educational, health-related, or transportation fields instead of going back to the corporate world, where all my experience lies. I'm an older worker and find it difficult to make this transition. I was laid off from 2 companies in the last 2 years.
Posted by: Eric
I've been a nurse aide for 19years, but since June of 2008 when I injured my back and now unable to lift more than 25 pounds. I'm having to seek employment in a different field. Pushing pen to paper is not my style but hopefully I'll be able to overcome my fears and be gainfully employed one day. Thank you for the article.
Posted by: LORI
Ok good advice. I would like know how to put personal experiences into my resume. In the past 2 years I have survived many trials : A murder attempt where I learned afterward about the legal system, Helped flush out a cheater where I learned a lot of detective skills. Managed the rebuilding of a house and funding there of from an insurance co. negotiating with CEOs and the like. I found I can work well under EXTREME pressure and be a Leader NONE of these are in my current resume. How in the world do I place all of that life experience plus more in my resume to tell all that I can really do?
Posted by: Berkley
Marcia,Thank you for a very timely article. I probably missed a few good opportunities by unconsciously acting in accordance with these 7 myths. Now that you have exposed these myths, I shall be ordering my life differently. Thanks again and keep up the good works.I would be very interested in the answer to LORI's question: How do you incorporate personal off-the-job experience into your resume?
Posted by: Diane Irving
Marcia,Thanks for the advice and the 7 career myths. I am guilty of think that I had to build a career in the field of course in which I went to school for. My professor once said I should have taken law. He felt I ask a lot of questions.
Posted by: kathleen mcmahon
Great advice. These are difficult times. I'm just starting to think out of the box. Not sure where it will lead. The truth about recession proof job is that there is no such a job for educated middle class americans.
Posted by: Tamara Wolff
Thank you for the information. I too find it hard now a days to find a job. I have now been laid off for six months and still hitting it hard. I beleive there is something out there for me, even though in my middle age and excited to see what the future holds. Your advise about the myths were good for me to think about and I may be making some changes to my resume and thought process. Thanks again.
Posted by: VALERIE GRANT
Thank you for the seven myths. I just started school to become a Medical Transcriptionist. This is my my 5th career change in my 55 years. But I am looking forward to it. only a year and a half to go.
Posted by: Helena Dewey
I lost my job in favor of younger people. Even though I have 8 years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician,I've been looking for work since February. Many employees are hesitant to seriously consider someone who is 60 years old as a new addition to their staff.
Posted by: Paul Crager
What about the over 45 crowd? There is no myth there. How do you get around that? Anyone know?
Posted by: Keiya Hood (Heard) On: 2/22/2010 9:27:32 AM
I wasn't going to read this, but this was a great inspiration thinking outside of the box and validates my career choices. I think my diversity makes me highly appealing. However, when I talk to my elders they always try to limit my abilities to one career model. Thanks!
