115 - The Biggest Myths About Mid-Career Change (And What’s Actually True)

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

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?”

Thanks for listening!

If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email mark@bravocoaching.co.uk
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk