At JobCommander, we frequently hear about the topic of changing career paths. Some have a feeling that they are not in the right career path, their career choice didn’t turn out the way they wanted or thought, or simply they want a change of scenery. For many, the sudden change in lifestyle or career is an intimidating or frightening thought but changing career paths shouldn’t be!

Below, we have created a list of 5 myths based on comments, concerns, and discussions we at JobCommander have had with those nervous about career path changes.

Myth 1: “I can’t change career paths once I’ve started one.”

Fact: This is one of the biggest misconceptions in employment. You can always change career paths, no matter the circumstance. The only thing that matters is that you are comfortable with the repercussions of changing career paths and can handle what comes along with the shift. Only you can decide if a change in career paths is the right decision.

Myth 2: “Switching careers means I failed.”

Fact: Never! For some people, certain career paths changed during their tenure. For others, they started out thinking a career would be one way but turned out to be another entirely. When you want to pursue another career path, or possibly something else you are passionate about, you are not failing at your previous career choice.

Myth 3: “I feel like I am too old to switch career paths.”

Fact: You are never too old for any career switch, as long as you feel comfortable in your new work setting. If you are willing to learn and eager to adjust to a different landscape in a new career, you will most likely succeed!

Myth 4: “If I switch, I feel like I will be starting from scratch again”

Fact: Not necessarily. Depending on the career path you came from and where you intend on going will determine if you start from scratch again or not. If you were a Managing Director at a big financial bank, don’t expect to be a lead software engineer at a large technology company if you have no experience in software development. The beauty about switching career paths is that you can always find ways to translate your skill, transform work habits, and bring forth your expertise from your previous industry to the next.

Myth 5: “I need to have everything planned out if I am going to switch career paths.”

Fact: This is a yes and no reality. Yes, it is important to have some sort of plan in place prior to any major life and career alterations, but don’t feel like you need to have every detail planned out. Tentative plans that include things like where your new income will come from, what job prospects do you have in other fields, and are you certain of the new career path are important things to consider. With that said, be ready for events that you may not have accounted for. Being adaptable and will to tackle anything head on.

Changing career paths, although sometimes a formidable task, can be the right decision for some. Only you and your loved ones can make that decision.