Navigating Professional Transitions: Debunking Myths and Finding Success

Posted on March 04, 2025 by Yun Chen, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

Making a professional transition can feel like stepping into the unknown. Whether you’re considering a career change, shifting industries, re-entering the workforce after a break, pursuing a passion project as a hustle, or even starting your own venture, it’s natural to feel hesitant and a bit scared. But often, what holds us back are not the actual challenges but the myths and misconceptions we believe about the process and that creates the fear.

In this blog post, we’ll debunk six common myths about professional transition, explore why change is essential in today’s fast-paced world with my own personal journey, and share how coaching can support your transition into transformation. Let’s empower you to take that leap with confidence.

Professional transitions are no longer a rarity—they’re a necessity. With rapid advancements in technology, including generative AI, industries are evolving faster than ever. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, making adaptability and continuous learning critical.
Moreover, a professional transition isn’t just about career advancement—it’s a journey of holistic personal growth. Whether you’re driven by opportunity, feeling unfulfilled in your current role, or facing an unexpected retrenchment, change is an invitation to realign your career with your values, passions, and aspirations.

- 6 Common Myths About Professional Transition (Debunked!) -

Myth 1: It’s Too Hard to Make a Transition
Many people believe that transitioning careers is overwhelming and nearly impossible. They imagine endless obstacles and rejections, from acquiring new skills to navigating a competitive market.
• Reality: With proper planning, guidance, and small, actionable steps, a career transition is entirely achievable. Break the process into manageable goals, seek support from mentors or coaches, and celebrate small wins along the way. More fundamentally, re-confirm who you want to be in your professional life, and your drive for the transition.

Myth 2: I Need to Start from Scratch
The idea of starting over can be daunting. You might worry that your previous experience and skills will go to waste in a new field, as well as the “title” you have earned will be gone.
• Reality: Transitioning doesn’t mean abandoning everything you’ve learned. Many skills—like leadership, communication, and problem-solving—are transferable across industries. Identify your strengths and find ways to apply them in your new role. Additionally, Title is food for your ego. Title does not carry as much weight as the fulfilment you will gain with the transition.

Myth 3: I May Not Succeed in the New Field
Fear of failure is one of the biggest barriers to change. What if you invest time and energy into a new career only to fall short?
• Reality: Success in a new field is often about mindset, preparation, and persistence. Research your target industry, network with professionals, and upskill as needed. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Just like entrepreneurship, it is a process of series tests to redefine the product-market fit and create value for the venture and yourself. According to the Financial Times published in August 2024, startup failures in the US is 60%. But that does not stope more and more founders creating new ventures.

Myth 4: People May Not Support My Transition
It’s common to worry about what others will think. Will your family, friends, or colleagues doubt your decision or judge you for taking a risk?
• Reality: While some people may express skepticism, you’ll often find unexpected support from those around you. Surround yourself with positive influences—mentors, coaches, or like-minded individuals who believe in your vision. Especially with your family, mutual trust and agreement makes it so much easier to overcome upheaval. Additionally, being vulnerable to share your challenges and ask for support, is indeed being very courageous.

Myth 5: I Will Lose My Safety Net
Financial stability is a valid concern. The thought of leaving a steady paycheck or own saving for the unknown can be terrifying.
• Reality: Transitioning doesn’t have to mean financial instability. With careful planning, you can create a safety net. Consider transitioning gradually—for example, by taking on freelance projects or upskilling while maintaining your current job. In addition, it is also about your relationship with money. Refer to my other post about finding Peace and Abundance with Happy Money.

Myth 6: I’m Too Old/Too Young to Make a Change
Age is often used as an excuse to avoid change. Some worry they’re too young to be taken seriously, while others fear they’re too old to learn something new.
• Reality: Age is just a number when it comes to professional transitions. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, it’s never too late or too early to pursue a path that aligns with your passions and goals. Afterall, our life expectancy is over 80 years old and could be much longer with the rise of gen AI. You have enough time to try different fields or ventures.

- My Personal Journey: A Commitment to Lifelong Learning -

I’ve always had a passion for lifelong learning. Since starting my banking career, I’ve been on a constant “hustle” to earn multiple degrees and certifications—from strategic marketing to positive psychology, and from professional coaching credentials to entrepreneurship and innovation specialization. According to the career book titled Do Over by New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff, hustle is the drive and commitment that pushes entrepreneurs and professionals to do the things that other people don’t, enabling them to enjoy success that others won’t. This truly speaks the fulfilment I have enjoyed outside my full-time job. More importantly, it’s kept me ready for any transition.
This journey has also taught me that professional transitions are not just about changing jobs—they’re about evolving as a person. By continuously learning and growing, I’ve been able to navigate changes with confidence and purpose. And now, as a coach, I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

- How Coaching Supports Professional Transition -

Navigating a professional transition can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Professional coaching provides the space, guidance and support you need to make the process smoother and more effective. Here’s how coaching can help:
1. Self-awareness, Clarity and Vision: A coach helps you identify your strengths, passions, and goals, creating a clear roadmap for your transition.
2. Confidence Building: Coaching helps you overcome self-doubt and build the confidence needed to embrace change.
3. Emotional Support: Transitioning can be emotionally challenging. A coach offers a safe space to process fears, setbacks, and victories.
4. Develop Resilience: Resilience is the essential skill to bounce back from setback and move forward. Through coaching, you will often experience mindset shift and perception change. You will also create your own framework of development your mental resilience with the guidance of a coach.
5. Accountability: Regular coaching sessions keep you on track, ensuring you take consistent action toward your goals.
6. Resources: Coaches often have access to valuable resources that can accelerate your transition, in-between coaching sessions.

Investing in coaching is an investment in your future. It’s about having a trusted partner who believes in your potential and is committed to helping you achieve your goals.
As an Executive and Life coach, I focus helping professionals and entrepreneurs navigate transitions with confidence and clarity. I’ll work with you to create a personalized plan, overcome obstacles, and achieve your career aspirations. Let’s connect and turn your transition into a transformative journey. Book a free discovery call today.

>>> Origin of the article on my Blog from The Coaching Wave