Making a career change takes courage. Most people hesitate to do it because of deep seated beliefs that they have. Some beliefs are empowering but the ones that hold you back are disempowering. The only way to move forward is to identify the belief and either overcome or change it. Here is a list of 10 common beliefs on career change that can derail your desire for change. If the belief is making you unhappy and stuck, this is the time to change it.

1. I (My parents) invested a lot in my education (training). I cant bail out now.

2. Work isnt supposed to be fulfilling. Work is work!

3. Im too old (young) to change careers now.

4. Pursuing a dream is unrealistic, selfish and really risky.

5. My clients (boss) (colleagues) are counting on me. I cant let them down.

6. If I buckle down and do this current job, Ill learn to like it.

7. Ill never be able to find a job in a career that I love.

8. All good careers require specialized training so I will need to be retrained.

9. Every career has its downside so why step out of the frying pan into the fire.

10. Im safe here. I know what is expected and I know I can do it well. Its only __ years until I retire. I can tough it out.

Alvah Parker

Alvah Parker of Parker Associates works with high potential lawyers and other professionals who want to build a practice that is fun, fulfilling and profitable. She does this by helping her clients to market themselves in a focused and intentional way.

Alvah spent 15 years at AT&T in sales and marketing. Because she was skilled at building strong relationships with her clients Alvah was selected to be in AT&T?s prestigious Council of Leaders, an honor reserved for those in the top 3% of the sales force.

Alvah got her coaching training at Coach University and graduated in 1999. She has successfully completed the first phase of an advanced coaching program designed for coaches who wish to be practice advisors to members of the various professions. She continues to enhance her skills with additional training and coaching.

In addition to her coaching practice Alvah also volunteers to counsels small business owners as a SCORE Counselor. SCORE is part of the Small Business Administration.