Ever find yourself staring at your desk, asking, “How did I get here?” “How did this career path—once so full of promise—become so… blah?” You’re not alone. So many of us start out with a shiny vision of success: climb the ladder, get the promotion, hit those big milestones. But then, one day, you look around and wonder, “Is this it?” “Why doesn’t this feel as good as I thought it would?” We’re taught to hold onto certain expectations—like they’re the golden rules of success—even when they leave us feeling empty and stuck.
But here’s the thing: those expectations are often built on myths that sneakily shape our careers, telling us what we should want, what success really looks like, and why it’s safer to stay put than to take a risk. But the truth is, those myths are keeping you chained to a career path that doesn’t light you up. Today, we’re tearing down those myths, so you can finally break free and start building a career direction that feels right—not just on paper, but in your soul.
Ready to flip the script and take back control of your career journey? Let’s dive in.
Myth 1: Making the Wrong Career Move Will Set You Back
Ever hear that voice in your head whispering, “What if you make a change and it’s the biggest mistake of your life? What if you end up miles behind everyone else?”
But set you back from what, exactly? You’re on your own timeline here, not anyone else’s. This fear—this nagging, paralyzing fear of making the wrong career move—is one of the biggest myths out there.
We’ve all been there. You think, “If I just land that next job title, I’ll finally be happy.” But here’s the harsh truth: career fulfillment isn’t about stacking up job titles or promotions like trophies. It’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level—getting crystal clear on what truly energizes you, what drains you dry, and how you want to design your workday.
My Career Journey
Let me tell you a little story. Early in my career journey, I was obsessed with climbing the corporate ladder. I thought each rung would bring me closer to that shiny pot of gold called ‘happiness.’ I worked my butt off, laser-focused on getting promoted, thinking that once I had that title, everything would magically fall into place. But guess what? When I finally got that coveted promotion, I felt… nothing. The title didn’t fill that void; it didn’t bring the purpose I was craving.
That’s when I had a major realization: career clarity isn’t about the external stuff—those fancy titles and salaries. It’s about internal alignment. It’s about truly knowing yourself, understanding your values, and figuring out how you want to spend your days. When you start making career decisions based on that deep understanding of what lights you up, you’re not worried about making the “wrong” move. Every step becomes part of a journey that’s uniquely yours, moving you closer to a career that feels right.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, here’s a question for you: What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? Take some time—maybe over a weekend—to really sit with that question. Let it simmer. You might just discover that the only mistake would be staying in a place that no longer serves you. Embrace the idea that every move, every exploration, is part of your path forward, not a step back.
Myth 2: The Linear Career Path is the Only Path to Success
From the time we’re kids, we’re spoon-fed this idea that success is a straight line: go to school, get a degree, land a job in your field, climb that corporate ladder, and then—voila!—retire with a smile. But let me tell you something… that straight line? It’s not the only way to build a fulfilling career. In fact, it’s often a recipe for burnout and career stagnation.
I used to be a firm believer in the linear path. I thought that if I just found a good job and kept my head down, success would naturally follow. Climb, climb, climb—that was the name of the game. But as I moved up the ladder, something didn’t sit right. I started waking up with a gnawing feeling in my gut, wondering, “Is this really it?” I was hitting all the right marks, but somehow, I still felt… lost.
So, I did something radical: I hit pause. I took a step back and went on a bit of a soul-searching journey. I spent time really digging into what meaningful work actually meant to me. I asked myself the tough questions: “What do I truly want?” “What kind of work makes me excited to get out of bed?” And guess what? The clarity I found wasn’t what I expected.
I realized that my career didn’t have to be a straight line. I didn’t have to follow the script that had been handed to me. I could pivot, I could explore, I could jump to new opportunities—even if they didn’t fit the traditional mold. And when I stopped stressing about sticking to the “right” path and started focusing on what truly resonated with me, something amazing happened. Doors began to open. Career possibilities I’d never imagined started to appear.
You don’t have to walk the same worn-out road. You have the power to forge your own path—one that aligns with who you are and what truly matters to you. If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current role, it’s perfectly fine to step away. It’s okay to explore new opportunities that resonate with your passions. Because here’s the thing: your career doesn’t have to be a straight line. It can be a series of thoughtful, energizing moves—each one bringing you closer to the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Myth 3: Taking Risks in Your Career is Too Dangerous
You’ve worked hard to get here—a stable job, a steady paycheck, maybe even a few perks you’ve grown attached to. The thought of risking all that? It’s terrifying. Why rock the boat when you’ve finally found some security?
I used to feel the same way. I had spent years building my career, climbing the ladder, and earning the benefits that came with it—a solid salary, the company car, the works. The idea of stepping away from that safety net to pursue something uncertain? It felt reckless. But here’s what I realized: the real risk wasn’t in making a change, it was in staying where I was, stuck in a role that didn’t light me up or let me grow.
We often let fear of the unknown paralyze us, thinking, “What if it doesn’t work out? What if I lose everything I’ve built?” But here’s the flip side: “What if it does work out? What if this is the move that changes everything?” When you start asking that question, risks stop feeling like threats and start looking like opportunities.
So, which “what if” will you listen to? The one that keeps you stuck, or the one that opens up a world of possibilities? The choice is yours.
So, forget playing it safe. Take that leap. You’ll be surprised by what you’re capable of when you let go of fear and embrace the possibilities.
Myth 4: External Success Equals Happiness
We live in a society that constantly equates success with external achievements—salary, job title, prestige. The message is clear—climb the corporate ladder, grab that fancy job title, rake in the big bucks, and—poof—you’ll be happy.
But here’s a little secret: external success isn’t the golden ticket to fulfillment. You can check all the boxes—salary, prestige, power—and still feel burned out, drained, and empty.
Trust me, I’ve been there. I hustled hard, nailed those promotions, and hit the targets I’d set for myself. On the outside, it looked like I had everything anyone could want. But on the inside? I was exhausted. The success I had fought so hard for felt hollow, like I was chasing someone else’s dream, not mine. The shiny job titles and the cushy salary didn’t bring the sense of purpose I craved.
It was a gut check moment—a realization that shook me to my core. True fulfillment doesn’t come wrapped in a bigger paycheck or a fancier title. It comes from within, from doing work that lights you up, that resonates with who you are on a deeper level. It’s about waking up excited for the day ahead, feeling energized, not drained, by the work you do.
So, if you’re sitting there wondering why your life isn’t lighting up like it should despite all your “success,” maybe it’s time to hit pause.
Ask yourself: What really matters to me? What kind of work would make me feel truly alive? When you start chasing what you value, what genuinely excites you, success stops being about the externals. It becomes about living a life that’s true to you—a life where your work doesn’t just pay the bills but fuels your soul.
Myth 5: There Are Too Many Constraints to Make a Career Change
Let’s be honest—how many times have you caught yourself thinking, “I can’t make a career change because…” and then rattled off a list of reasons that feel logical but are really just fear talking? Whether it’s needing that steady paycheck, worrying you’re too old to start over, or believing you don’t have the right experience—these so-called constraints are often just stories we’ve been telling ourselves for too long.
We all have that inner pessimist living rent-free in our minds, saying, “You can’t switch industries; you’ve never done that before,” or “If you leave this job, good luck finding one that pays as well.” But here’s the thing—most of these barriers are just in our heads, not out in the real world.
I’ve worked with people who were dead-set on the idea that transitioning into a new industry was impossible for them. They’d say, “Theresa, I don’t have the background for that.” But when we actually did the research, guess what? We found plenty of people who made the leap—without the so-called “necessary” experience. Seeing that proof? It was like a lightbulb moment, showing them that their constraints weren’t as solid as they seemed.
The trick here is to start questioning those so-called facts. When was the last time you asked yourself, “Is this really true, or am I just making excuses to stay in my comfort zone?” You’d be surprised how quickly those “facts” fall apart when you look at them closely. And once you let go of those self-imposed limits, you’ll be free to chase after the career that actually excites you.
So, here’s the bottom line: Those “constraints” holding you back? They’re mostly in your head. The moment you decide to ditch them, the world opens up in ways you never imagined. It’s not about throwing caution to the wind—it’s about having the guts to see what’s really possible. The only thing standing between you and the career change you’ve been dreaming of is that little voice in your head saying you can’t. So, maybe it’s time to quiet that voice and take a step forward into the future you deserve.
FAQs About Finding Your Career Path
How do I figure out my career path?
Figuring out your career path starts with getting to know yourself on a deeper level—beyond just the skills you’ve acquired or the jobs you’ve held. It’s about digging into what truly lights you up, what aligns with your values, and what kind of work makes you excited to start your day. Start by asking yourself some tough, honest questions: What do I enjoy doing? What kind of problems do I love solving? What are my strengths? Then, look at your past experiences for clues—when did you feel most energized and fulfilled? Use those insights to guide you.
Need help uncovering your strengths and skills?
Check out The Ultimate Transferable Skills Guide to pinpoint the skills that energize you and open up new career possibilities. It’s a game-changer in helping you figure out what path to take next!
How do I plan my career path?
Planning your career path isn’t about locking yourself into a rigid plan—it’s about setting a direction that feels right for you while staying flexible enough to pivot when needed. Start by setting long-term goals based on what you’ve discovered about yourself—what kind of impact do you want to make? What kind of work environment excites you? Then break those goals down into actionable steps: networking, acquiring new skills, exploring different roles, or even switching industries. Keep your plan dynamic; allow it to evolve as you gain more clarity and experience. And most importantly, focus on progress, not perfection. Each step, no matter how small, gets you closer to the career that truly fulfills you.
Want personalized guidance on your career path?
Schedule a free 1-on-1 career clarity call with me! Together, we’ll map out a plan that aligns with your goals and helps you take confident steps toward a career that excites you.
About the author
I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Coach, Job Search Strategist, and President of Career Bloom. With a background in Recruiting, Human Resources, and Management
After struggling with career uncertainty and the fear of starting over, I finally discovered my true calling and found a job that makes me excited to wake up every day. This clarity transformed my career and filled me with joy, knowing I’m doing work that truly matters. How did I achieve this? By gaining crystal-clear insight into my purpose. It’s easier than you might think, and I’m passionate about guiding my clients through this discovery process to help them find their ideal career.
Connect with me on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.
Moving Forward: It’s Time to Rewrite Your Career Story
So, there you have it—five common career myths thoroughly debunked. But what does that mean for you? If you’ve been feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or uncertain about your career, I hope this blog has sparked something inside you. Maybe it’s a flicker of hope, or perhaps a burning desire to finally break free from the constraints that have been holding you back. Either way, remember this: Your career doesn’t have to be a straight line, and it certainly doesn’t have to be dictated by outdated rules or someone else’s expectations.
Let’s be real—playing it safe, settling for external success that leaves you feeling empty, or clinging to a career that doesn’t light you up, isn’t the path to fulfillment. You have the power to create a career that truly excites you, one that aligns with your values, passions, and strengths. But it all starts with one thing: clarity.
As Ben Stein wisely said, “The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want.” Sounds simple, right? But we know it’s anything but. The first step is often the hardest, and it requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to challenge the myths that have been running your life on autopilot.
Once you’ve decided what you want, everything changes. When you commit to clarity, you stop questioning whether you can achieve it and start figuring out how you’re going to make it happen.
Here’s the thing: When you commit to a new path, you’ll find a way to make it work. Doubt transforms into determination, and suddenly, every obstacle becomes a challenge you’re ready to conquer.
Everything becomes figureoutable when you’re determined and resourceful. So, forget playing it safe. Take that leap. What’s waiting for you on the other side? A career that doesn’t just pay the bills, but one that fills your soul. A life that’s not just about surviving, but about thriving.
So, I ask you—what are you waiting for? The only thing standing between you and the career you’ve been dreaming of is the decision to go after it. It’s time to rewrite your career story. Make it one that excites you, inspires you, and makes you proud.
Ready to get started? Begin by exploring the resources below. They’re designed to help you take those crucial first steps toward a career that truly fulfills you:
Job Search Strategy Resources
- 4 Steps to building your personal brand story for a successful career change
- How to actually land a job through networking
- Find the skills that energize and motivate you. The ones that make you say, "I want to do this every day!"
- Find the 3 steps to successfully change your career
- Forget Playing it Safe: Tune in to learn how to take intentional steps, embrace your strengths, and build a career that truly fulfills you
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
