Episode Summary

In this episode of Mid Career Change, I break down three of the biggest myths about career change that keep professionals feeling stuck.

I was recently interviewed by Mac Prichard on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, and we talked about the fears that hold people back—especially in mid-career. From believing you have to start over from scratch to thinking it’s too late to change, these myths can be major roadblocks.

But the truth? Career change is possible at any age, and your experience is an asset—not a liability.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job but unsure how to take the leap, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to move forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✨ Why career change doesn’t mean starting from scratch—and how to leverage your experience
✨ How clarity comes from action, not overthinking
✨ Why it’s never too late for a career change (and how to shift your mindset)
✨ Practical steps to explore new opportunities without taking big risks

Key Takeaways

🔹 Myth 1: Changing Careers Means Starting Over Again

💭 Many people fear that making a career change means losing everything they’ve built—their skills, credibility, and financial security.

✅ The Truth: You don’t have to start from scratch. Instead, you’re repurposing your skills and applying them in a new, more fulfilling way.
✅ Example: A client of mine moved from marketing to project management, using her organisational and leadership skills to transition into a higher-level role.
✅ What to Do: Identify your transferable skills and how they can fit into different industries.

👉 Key Question: What skills do I already have that could be valuable in a different role or industry?

🔹 Myth 2: You Need to Figure It All Out Before You Start

💭 People often think they need a perfect career plan before making a change, leading to analysis paralysis.

✅ The Truth: Clarity comes from taking action, not waiting for the perfect plan.
✅ Example: One client started coaching on the side while keeping her full-time job, testing the waters before fully committing.
✅ What to Do: Start with small career experiments—job shadowing, side projects, informational interviews—to test new paths before making a big leap.

👉 Key Question: What small step can I take this week to explore a new career direction?

🔹 Myth 3: It’s Too Late to Change

💭 A common fear for mid-career professionals is believing they’re too old to switch careers.

✅ The Truth: Experience is a huge advantage, and many industries actively seek seasoned professionals for leadership and expertise.
✅ Example: A former client successfully transitioned from accounting to HR in her early 50s, proving that career change is possible at any stage.
✅ What to Do: Reframe age as an asset—focus on your experience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

👉 Key Question: How can I showcase my experience as a strength rather than a limitation?

Practical Steps to Make Career Change Possible

🚀 Identify Transferable Skills – What are you great at? What do people often seek your advice on?
🚀 Start with Low-Risk Experiments – Try a side project, freelance work, or an online course in your area of interest.
🚀 Expand Your Network – Talk to people in industries or roles that interest you.
🚀 Shift Your Mindset – Instead of “Am I too old?” ask “What unique value do I bring?”

Final Thoughts

Mid-career change isn’t about starting over—it’s about stepping forward into a career that aligns with your skills and values.

What’s one small step you can take this week to explore a career move? Send me a message or comment on LinkedIn—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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