Chances are you already have many ideas about what it takes to successfully transition into a new career, even if you have never done it before. Some of those ideas might be useful – most probably are not. In this article I would like to expose The Myths of Career Change, which might actually be holding you back.

MYTH #1: PASSION AND WORK ARE NOT COMPATIBLE

In fact, research shows the opposite to be true. Most successful people are those who have learned to follow their passion. The problem is that many of us were taught to be rational when we make career decisions. So we buried our passion.

Think about your own career path. Maybe you were passionate about writing when you were younger, but made the rational choice to go into nursing. Maybe you were passionate about working with children, but decided accounting would be a “smarter” choice. (By the way, if nursing or accounting is your passion, and you followed it, congratulations.)

When we are passionate about our work, we are able to be spontaneous and joyful because we are tapping into our natural strengths and abilities. When we enjoy and are fully engaged in our work, our self-esteem is higher, and we are able to perform at a higher level.

On the other hand, when we are unable or unwilling to connect emotionally to our daily tasks, we are less likely to be successful. To draw an analogy, if you are in the wrong career, it is like a cactus trying to grow in the middle of a forest. It doesn’t belong there, it won’t grow – and the same is true for you. You won’t grow and success will be very unlikely.

Myth #2: THE WAY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IS TO PICK A CAREER IN ORDER TO MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO SOMEDAY QUIT AND DO WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO