The 4 myths of career planning

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The 4 myths of career planning

January 21, 2013

As I’ve mentioned before, I love to set goals and plan. Planning my career has been something I’ve been consciously doing since the seventh grade, back when I had “famous actor” ambitions. In hindsight, I had fallen victim to a very linear way of thinking about my career plan—thinking it was all going to mystically fall into place. To help you avoid similar disappointments, I’ve listed my top 4 missteps.

1. Thinking I was the only one without that ultimate dream job.

Having a dream job isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, I’ve worked in many places and have learned so many amazing skills, simply by trying new things. Maybe one day I’ll fall into my dream job simply by taking a risk and trying something new.

2. Thinking university was the only option for a viable, rewarding career.

As I’ve learned, careers in the trades are a booming industry, with high demand. The pay is great and the freedom to explore your hands-on interests is so enticing. University is one way to gain entry to the workforce, but college and apprenticeships are options that are just as viable, and in some cases, they’re much better.

3. Thinking once I graduated, I’d be done with school FOREVER!

I graduated this year, and already that is just not true. To remain competitive in the workforce in this day and age, you need to constantly be upgrading your skills and seeking out new ways to stay on the leading edge of your industry. It may mean more school.

4. Thinking work-life balance would just happen for me.

When I started working full-time, I struggled with trying to find a balance between working and living. Full-time hours became tiring, so it took a complete change in my lifestyle to find ways to balance working, having fun and being healthy. I joined the gym, started volunteering, and now I’m starting to feel that I have a tighter grip on maintaining a balance in my life. It certainly didn’t just happen.

Do you know any other myths about career planning? Share them in the comments.

Rob

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