Don't Let Career Myths Hold You Back This Year

It's a new year and people are making resolutions and new commitments about personal finances, time management, health and careers. If career success is on your list of New Year resolutions, make the commitment to bury these career myths that could be holding you back.

Career myth #1 that could hold you back - It is too late to learn something new.

This is a career myth that haunts many working professionals. Either employees feel they are too old to learn something new or they feel learning something new will not be rewarded or even noticed by their company. If this is a career myth you want to bury in the New Year, instead of thinking this way, you should be thinking that learning something new is your way of preparing for your next opportunity; which may or may not be with your existing company.

Career myth #2 that could hold you back - In a recession I have to stick to my "safe" job.

If you are looking to bury career myths in the New Year, consider this one a must for your list. If we have learned anything from this recession it is that there are no "safe" jobs. Every industry has experienced cutbacks. Of course some industries have been impacted more than others. Although it is smart and wise to think about being "safe", this might not be the best path to greater career success. In this year's list of New Year resolutions, resolve not to push opportunities aside because at first glance they don't fall into your "safe" zone. Spend the time and dig deeper.

Career myth #3 that could hold you back - Work-life balance is a career myth.

If you are one of those people who think that there is no way to have work-life balance, you might be working with the wrong company or haven't explored all your options. Most smart organizations understand that a healthier bottom line and improved productivity come from happier employees who love what they do and understand their value in the workplace. If you are want to bury this career myth in the New Year, think about a meeting with your supervisor to discuss ways you might be able to stay productive at work and lower stress of juggling work and life. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation.