Are Myths Holding You Back from Your Dream Role?

Debunking 3 Common Beliefs That Keep Mid-Career Professionals Stuck

“If I haven’t found the right career by now, maybe I never will.”

That was the thought that plagued my mind as my mouse hovered over the ‘Send’ button to submit my resignation. I thought that walking away from a ‘stable’ job might mean losing my hard-earned credibility and putting myself at financial risk. I’d ask myself:

• Why can’t I just be content with what I have?

• Am I being ungrateful for wanting something more meaningful?

While I wasn’t sure of the answers, I knew I couldn’t stay in that role any longer. The misery of my situation was greater than my fear of the unknown, so I knew I had to make a change.

If this inner dialogue sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many mid-career professionals find themselves stuck between the comfort of “good enough” and the ache for something more fulfilling. Unfortunately, that stuck feeling is often fueled by myths we’ve unknowingly internalized — stories about career growth, success, and timing that keep us playing small.

That Ends Today!

If you’re feeling restless but uncertain, it may be these 3 common career myths that are holding you back from your dream role.

Before we get into them, this is a friendly reminder that the Alignment Activator publication is supported by reader engagement. So, please like, comment, and/or restack ♻️. Your support means the world to me — thank you in advance ❤️

And a special thank you to

Damesha Craig

for suggesting this week’s topic!

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Myth 1: “It’s Too Late to Make a Career Change”

This is perhaps the loudest myth of all, and it preys on our sense of time. We tell ourselves that we’ve already invested too many years in our current field, too much effort building our expertise, and that it’s too risky to start over now. I can’t believe I was saying this to myself at 32.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Experience doesn’t expire. It compounds.

Starting something new doesn’t means "starting over". That is a mental trap. In reality, you’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience. Every role you’ve had up to now has equipped you with transferable skills: problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, and industry-specific knowledge. Employers value this experience, even if it’s not in the exact role you’re pivoting toward.

Reframe It: Instead of seeing your experience as a cage that locks you into one path, see it as a springboard. Ask yourself, “How can my existing skills support me in this next role?” You might be surprised how much of your experience is already relevant. Think of a teacher who becomes an instructional designer, a journalist who transitions to corporate communications, or a project manager who steps into operations leadership. None of them “started from scratch” — they built on the skills they already had.

Key Takeaway: It’s not too late; it’s just time to see your experience in a new light.

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Myth 2: “I Should Already Know What I Want to Do By Now”

By mid-career, it’s easy to believe you’re supposed to have it all figured out. After all, you’ve spent years navigating your field, and it feels like you “should” have clarity by now. But this myth rests on the false assumption that people only have one true calling.

The reality is that your values, interests, and priorities shift as you grow. Maybe what you wanted at 25 isn’t what you want at 40 — and that’s perfectly normal. Careers aren’t linear; they’re iterative. Each role teaches you more about what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what you want to avoid. This is especially true after big life changes like having children, navigating health challenges, or experiencing burnout.

Reframe It: Instead of pressuring yourself to find a “perfect path,” think of career discovery as an ongoing process. It’s okay to explore, pivot, and change direction. The goal isn’t to pick the right forever role — it’s to pick the right next role for you.

Key Takeaway: Self-discovery doesn’t stop at 25. If your career goals have changed, it’s not a failure — it’s growth.

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Myth 3: “I Can’t Afford to Take a Pay Cut”

This one hits hard, especially if you have financial obligations like a mortgage, student loans, or family expenses. As a mom of 4 children this weighed heavily on me during every career transition. The fear of financial instability is valid, but it’s important to separate perceived risk from real risk.

Not every career change requires a pay cut — and even if it does, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Sometimes, people make a lateral move instead of a downward one. Other times, they accept a short-term reduction in salary in exchange for long-term gains.

The key is to see it as a strategic investment, not a loss. If your new role has more growth potential, better alignment with your values, or a healthier work-life balance, it may be worth the shift.

Reframe It: Instead of focusing on immediate loss, think about long-term gain. If you’re taking a slight pay cut to move into a role with growth potential, you might end up in a better financial position within a year or two. And don’t forget to factor in non-monetary benefits like flexible schedules, mental well-being, and time with loved ones.

Key Takeaway: Don’t let short-term fear overshadow long-term strategy. Sometimes, stepping back financially can help you leap forward in other areas of your life.

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So, How Do You Move Past These Myths?

1. Get Clear on What You Want — Clarity isn’t a lightning bolt moment; it’s something you cultivate. Start with small actions like talking to people in roles you admire or journaling about your ideal workday. Don’t pressure yourself to have it all figured out immediately.

2. Build a Bridge, Not a Leap — If a full leap feels overwhelming, build a bridge. Look for adjacent roles that connect to your experience. It might be easier (and less risky) than you think.

3. Don’t Do It Alone — The hardest part of busting these myths is getting out of your own head. A career coach, mentor, or even a trusted friend can offer perspective you can’t see on your own. Sometimes, all it takes is someone reminding you that you're not "too late" or "too old."

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The Bottom Line

If you’re feeling stuck in your career, ask yourself: Am I holding onto beliefs that no longer serve me? The truth is, it’s never too late to pivot, you don’t have to have it all figured out, and financial growth is rarely as linear as it seems.

The next chapter of your career doesn’t require perfection — it requires permission. Permission to change your mind, to try something new, and to believe that your best work is still ahead of you.

So if you’re hovering over that resignation button, filled with doubt and worry, remember this: The unknown may feel risky, but staying stuck is a risk, too. The difference? One leads to possibility.

Take the next step — even if it’s small. The dream role you’ve been searching for might just be waiting for you to believe in it.

Feeling called to share your own experience with career transitions, drop it in the comments! You never know who your story might inspire.