Let’s bust those Career Myths!
The old paradigm of a career-for-life is long gone. We have been watching this happen since the 1984 crash.
Currently, we’re navigating a period of significant change, leaving many of us uncertain about what the future holds. Research and articles about the future of work describe the next decade as a transformative time for how we live, work, and build relationships.
While many of us are speculating about what lies ahead, research presents various scenarios that consider factors such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and population growth to predict future needs. However, these predictions remain an inexact science.
So, let's look at the expectations we need to let go of. I call these Career Myths:
1. If I make a poor career choice, changing my career will be difficult.
Transitioning between careers has never been easier! However, it will take time to adjust, so think strategically and be discerning about the steps you take.
2. To get the job I want, I need previous experience.
While it certainly helps, there are other methods for finding the job you want; we refer to this as ‘entry via the side door’!
3. I need to feel passionate about the work I do to have job satisfaction.
Wrong. Sometimes being passionate about a particular type of work can be problematic; however, we must be interested and engaged in the work.
4. I need a clear career ‘mission’.
This is a wonderful idea; however, be careful not to make it too specific. An intention is more powerful than a 'mission' to bring meaning to your work.
5. I must choose between doing work that I love and earning a good income.
While this may seem like an either/or situation, compromise is often present in our working lives. However, there are effective ways to blend or integrate what you’re passionate about with your financial needs.
6. If I perform well at my job, my employability will be secure.
While this is mostly true, many other factors come into play, including relationships, visibility, and personality. Moreover, biases and the subjective preferences of recruiters and HR can also impact this.
7. The only way to address job dissatisfaction may be to leave.
Job satisfaction is highly subjective, and there are actions you can take to improve your experience. Focusing on your personal growth and skill development might be beneficial.
All these myths are unhelpful for this new age of work. People who seek out career coaching almost always experience insights they would not have gained on their own. They also gain the confidence to make the change they have been tentative to make.