Last month, I started compiling a list of unfounded preconceived ideas that my clients sometimes have about how job searching goes and what is and isn’t done. And whenever a client was struggling to get where they needed to go, it often stemmed from this list.

So I think just about everyone will benefit from seeing these patterns and preconceived notions explored and busted.

The last career myth I expanded on—”you have to use only job sites on your job search“—is a good place to start for anyone in the middle of a job search. But now I want to look inward. Maybe you hold some preconceived notions about jobs, markets, and careers in general. Maybe you have some stormy-tinted eyeglasses on. Taking a second look at our ideas and worldviews first might make our journey a little bit clearer and easier.

Career Myth #2: You can’t make a living doing what you love.

This myth is rooted in fear. It’s terrifying leaving behind the known and comfortable to chase after something. And while fear is an understandable reaction, it shouldn’t decide your next move.

Start gathering evidence that you can make a living doing what you love. Do some research. Find some people who have taken strange and twisting journeys. Look at LinkedIn profiles of people you’d like to be. Talk with role models and mentors who are doing what you want to do. Ask them about the realities of their journeys.

Knowing the good and bad of chasing after something you want might make you reconsider. And that’s scary too! You had a lot riding on this dream, and now you might have to give it up before you even start? But this heartbreaking realization needs to happen either way, so don’t run from it.

And what if it doesn’t scare you off? What if it just lays out the road map more clearly? Because that certainly happens too. 

It’s not a question of being able to make a living doing what you love but are you willing to jump in wholeheartedly? 

Career Myth #3: There’s a perfect job out there for everyone.

You like a lot of things! You’re a multifaceted individual who has a wide and ever-changing series of tastes. So no, there’s no one perfect job for you. You have several potential jobs that are all equally amazing and great for you.

Seriously.

With all of the choices of modern society plaguing us, this shouldn’t haunt us as much as we let it. Of course, take your career decisions seriously. Give them the thought and attention they deserve. But know that whatever you decide is good enough.

I know it’s not sexy to have “good enough,” but perfection doesn’t really exist, does it? We have built up enough foundation to have a small handful of fun futures ahead of us. 

And chances are you’ve even come close to one or two of them. Maybe you found a good career but not the right organization yet. Or while on a team you realize that you’d be good at project management. Or you notice that you do a lot of extracurricular reading about the most up-to-date tech. Take another look around. You may be on to something without even knowing it!

Next time I’ll go over a few more career myths out there—there are lots! If you are wondering about any topic, message me and I’ll include it in the next round.