When it comes to starting a new career, people often develop many incorrect assumptions. Career myths can prevent people from following their dreams or exiting an industry they no longer enjoy. When it comes to your career, you have every right to choose a field you find fulfilling. Before you let the myths stop you, learn what to ignore.
Debunking the Top 5 Career Myths
If you feel paralyzed with fear about the future, it could be due to myths you've heard about careers and searching for a new one. The following myths do not present accurate information about starting a new career:
Myth 1: Lack of Experience Can Prevent You From a Fulfilling Career
Many people fear they do not have enough experience to enter the career field they desire. If you're changing careers or just starting out, you probably don't have the previous background doing the type of work the job demands. While employers prefer experienced candidates, you can gain this practice in many ways. Since an easy method to increase your experience involves volunteer work, choose to offer your services within the same industry.
People interested in social work or counseling, for example, can volunteer at shelters or assist people with various needs. Volunteering time at an animal shelter might help a candidate find a career at a vet clinic.
Myth 2: Only One Perfect Career Exists for You
Some people look at a career the same way they look at soulmates. They believe they have one purpose, and that objective is wrapped up in the career they choose.
Throughout your life, your priorities and interests change. Career myths pretend they do not. You can always explore more options and change your current job as often as needed. Do not expect to stay the same for your entire life.
Myth 3: Your Career Must Match Your Education
Understand that as long as you know how to sell yourself at the interview, you do not have to match your education to your pursuit of a career. People choose careers that do not align with previous education for various reasons:
- New or developing passions
- Higher salaries in other industries
- Relocation and job scarcity
- Opportunities for advancement
Think about skills you learned through your education and how you could apply them to an unrelated career. For instance, if you studied food science but want to find a career in ag business, consider how food science has increased your problem-solving skills and ability to manage projects. To find a new career that suits your interests, do a job search today.
Myth 4: You're Too Old To Change Careers
Did you know that about 70% of all working-age people think about changing careers and actively seek change? Most people ignore career myths and change their careers right before they turn 40. This is when most people feel stagnant and want to switch careers to seek new opportunities. As people age, they start changing careers less and less, but it is never too late to seek the career you want.
Adults sometimes fear they cannot change careers. After all, they have more experience in one field and might even have an education that points them in the direction of their current career. However, you can make a change, and people often return to school or form their own businesses as they age. You can always increase your skills and talents to work wherever you want.
Myth 5: You Should Only Follow Your Passion
Career myths often state any job you love has to be a passion. While strong enthusiasm can make a job more enjoyable, finding a career that revolves around it is not necessary. Some people do not prefer a career they are passionate about.
When people turn their passions into work, they often become less interested. Deadlines can turn favorite interests into a chore. You do not have to chase your passions but should pursue careers you enjoy.
Sometimes, you can find jobs that overlap with your passions. For example, you might love fishing but not want to engage in commercial fishing or aquaculture. However, you can work for environmental causes and find some overlap with your interest in fish.
Create the Life You Deserve By Ignoring Career Myths
To find career fulfillment for your life, consider a career that checks all your boxes, including interests, salary requirements, and utilizing your skills and experience. If a job in agriculture, horticulture, or food production sounds like a good match, check out these featured jobs at AgHires. Once you debunk erroneous career myths, you can confidently move forward and seek a new career.
