Common Career Change Myths, Debunked!
So, you've finally decided to make the jump: you're feeling stuck or unmotivated at work, or simply just unhappy in your chosen field... yes, it's indeed time to accept you're due for a career change!
You're not alone. In fact, over 70% of working-aged people are actively looking for a job change at any given time.
It helps knowing you're the only one with these feelings, but it's still a big decision to pivot career paths, whether you're twenty years into a blossoming career or just starting out in your field. There are many factors to consider beyond what field you're looking to transition into, but working through them will allow you to change your mindset from reluctance to excitement!
Here are 4 common myths you may have on your mind when changing careers, and why they shouldn't hold you back:
Career Change Myth #1: Age matters
That classic saying "you can’t teach an old dog new tricks" has been proven untrue more often than not. While you may feel "too old" and entrenched in your current career path to make a U-turn, that's simply not the case! Indeed recently found that the average age in which workers do this is 39 years old, give or take a few years on either end.
Success stories of people changing careers at all ages are plentiful! There are even overlooked advantages to making the change later in life, such as having a larger network, as well as more transferable skills due to your increased years of experience.
Career Change Myth #2: You'll need a four-year degree
Due to the number of workers changing careers, many educational institutions have developed programs designed for people seeking a second career. Many of these programs are often much less demanding on your time than a four-year degree and report high student employment rates following graduation.
For example, Juno College's Web Development Bootcamp ranges from 12 full-time to 32 part-time weeks, with 79.7% of graduates employed in-field within 180 days of graduation. A low time commitment with high reward!
Career Change Myth #3: You're starting from the bottom
You may be hesitant to change careers because you're already at or near the top of your current field. It can be a daunting prospect to start in a new field at the bottom, but a career change doesn't mean you’ll be starting over in an entry-level role. The transferable skills you’ve gained in your current position, along with a history of success in a previous field, will be big assets to employers as you enter your new field.
Career Change Myth #4: You'll lose money
Many people assume they will have to quit their current role in order to pursue their new passion, meaning they’ll temporarily lose their salary or main source of income. Part-time programs, as well as scholarships and flexible financing options, are all helpful options for those looking to save money during this time of transition.
You can also work with a career coach or mentor to help you land a new position as soon as possible, so that you're not out of the workforce for long — Juno's Bootcamps offer specialized Career Services for all our students for this very reason!
Another myth surrounding the money factor is that switching fields will mean your new job will earn you less than your previous position. While this varies depending on the company and industry (tech is quite ludicrous, for example!), make sure to search average salaries in your desired field beforehand to compare your potential earnings to your current role. If you find that a field you're interested in may result in less annual income, create a budget for a potential temporary decrease in salary to assist yourself in making the transition.
Thinking of changing careers?
You've come to the right place! We specialize in helping beginners break into the booming tech industry. Book a call with one of our Student Advisors below to get customized help with your journey: