A career coaching article:

Seven myths you must challenge now
to begin your second career today

by Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D.

• Has it been awhile since you explored career options?
• Are you making your 21st century choices based on beliefs that were accurate when Reagan was president of the US (and Thatcher was PM of Great Britain)?
• Do you wish you could take a test that would point you to the perfect Second Career?

Then you're probably operating on yesterday's myths -- time to move to today's reality!

Myth #1: Science supports the traditional linear career change model: test for interests, identify careers and go find a job.

Reality #1 Researchers at Stanford and Harvard found that career exploration proceeds in a zig-zag trial-and-error path, almost always with a hint of serendipity. Learn more.

Myth #2: Starting a business is riskier than seeking a new job.

Reality #2: If you're midlife and/or have a high profile in your industry, you may replace income faster by starting a business -- even if you continue to seek a job at the same time. Learn more.

Myth #3 : Skills that brought you career success are the same skills you need for career change.

Reality #3: Career and business achievement calls for football skills: teamwork, planning and playing your position. Career change? Think playground basketball! Scramble and change rules with every game. Learn more.

Myth #4 : Ignore unexpected thoughts like, "Maybe it's time to move. " They'll soon go away.

Reality #4: These hints come from your intuition, which is not a woo-woo concept but a reliable source of insight that has been recognized by mainstream psychologists, security consultants and scientists. Crack your intuitive code and find a new source of power. Learn more.

Myth #5: Make tough career decisions like business decisions. Or gamble. Choosing between two wonderful opportunities? Or two equally scary options? Estimate probabilities...or give up and flip a coin.

Reality #5: Work with new processes designed specifically for life decisions. Learn more.

Myth #6: Feeling scared? Stop!

Reality #6: Fear can be your friend, especially when you're moving outside your comfort zone into a new adventure. Fear means you're taking care of yourself as you move into the unknown. Learn more.

Myth #7 : Career change means feeling stressed and miserable.

Reality #7: Career change can become a source of meaning and growth. Most people look back with gratitude on this time in their lives. Learn more.

To learn more about career myths, subscribe to Great Careers Ezine. Download Why Most Career Change fails and How to Write Your Own Succes Story.