Here's how you can overcome common misconceptions about changing careers.

Overcoming common misconceptions about changing careers involves addressing fears and highlighting transferable skills. Example : 👇👇 ➡Ayush, a mechanical engineer, aspired to shift into project management. ➡Concerned about lacking direct experience, he focused on his expertise in managing engineering projects, which involved planning, coordination, and team leadership. ➡Ayush also completed a PMP certification to validate his project management skills.

The myth that you are too old is in your own mind. Vera Wang started her fashion career at 40 Christian Dior started Dior at 41 Sam Walton started Walmart at 44 Momofuku Ando invented instant noodles at 48 Adolf Dassler started Adidas at 49 Bernard Marcus started Home Depot at 49 Rodney Dangerfield found success in comedy in his 40s Ray Kroc expanded McDonald's at 52 Chaleo Yoovidhya started Red Bull at 53 Colonel Harland Sanders franchised KFC at 62 Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book at 65 Charles Flint founded IBM at 61 Henry Ford founded Ford Motor Company at 40 You are never too late; your own mindset is the biggest bottleneck to your success.

"Considero que la edad no es restrictiva para migrar ni de profesion, ni de empleo. Debemos ser promotores del cambio de pensamiento; un nuevo paradigma en el cual todos podamos contribuir a la sociedad de una u otra manera sin prejuicios ni creencias limitantes."

As long as you have the needed skills and are confident in your abilities with those skills, you can change careers. But you do need to be realistic about your abilities with those skills.

A career change doesn't mean you need to start over from scratch. Contrary to a common misconception, switching careers doesn't always necessitate beginning in an entry-level role. It is true that acquiring new skills and knowledge on your own may be required. But, your existing experience equips you with transferable skills like leadership, communication, and project management. You might not be experienced in this role, but you've still worked on a team and proven your professional qualities. Identifying your transferable skills and emphasizing your strengths may allow you to secure a position well above the entry-level designation.

"Actualmente me desempeño en un rol en el cual nunca había estado antes. Mi experiencia laboral me ha permitido formarme para enfrentar desafíos, y agradezco profundamente que mis empleadores actuales hayan confiado en mí para esta tarea."

"Nunca estamos limitados únicamente a la carrera que estudiamos. Con el paso del tiempo, aprendemos nuevas cosas, tratamos con otros profesionales y nos involucramos en diferentes campos. No considero que empezar de cero sea algo negativo."

I was in operation that focus on F&B and Retail for nearly 20 years before I make a career move to HR. Yes, do have a secure financial status such as emergency funds, spend below your means and monitor your monthly budget well. My income did impact when I have my career move but I take it positively as a part of my 'investment' and will get back a great ROI soon.

The best way to decide between going back to school or pursuing a certificate is to analyze job descriptions that interest you. Look closely at the qualifications and skills they require. Better yet, reach out to professionals already in your desired role for an informational interview. They can offer firsthand advice and insights on whether further education or a specific certification would be most beneficial. This approach can clarify your career path, provide you with immediate next steps, and help you build a network that can support your career transition.

- Approached a mentor from FutureLab to get help. - Reflect back on your career journey and think about what achievements you have so you can stand out from other candidates. Always up-skill yourself, be proud of yourself, don't doubt yourself, and be confident. No matter what happens, please keep moving on until you can find something more suitable for yourself. Life is an adventure, and you will only gain from different experiences.