Seven Myths You Must Challenge Now To Begin Your Second Career Today

* Has it been awhile since you explored career options?

* Are you making your 21st century choices based on beliefs that were accurate when Reagan was president of the US (and Thatcher was PM of Great Britain)?

* Do you wish you could take a test that would point you to the perfect Second Career?

Then you're probably operating on yesterday's myths -- time to move to today's reality!

Myth #1: Science supports the traditional linear career change model: test for interests, identify careers and go find a job.

Reality #1 Researchers at Stanford and Harvard found that career exploration proceeds in a zig-zag trial-and-error path, almost always with a hint of serendipity. Learn more.

Myth #2: Starting a business is riskier than seeking a new job.

Reality #2: If you're midlife and/or have a high profile in your industry, you may replace income faster by starting a business -- even if you continue to seek a job at the same time. Learn more.

Myth #3 : Skills that brought you career success are the same skills you need for career change.

Reality #3: Career and business achievement calls for football skills: teamwork, planning and playing your position. Career change? Think playground basketball! Scramble and change rules with every game. Learn more.

Myth #4: Ignore unexpected thoughts like, "Maybe it's time to move. " They'll soon go away.

Reality #4: These hints come from your intuition, which is not a woo-woo concept but a reliable source of insight that has been recognized by mainstream psychologists, security consultants and scientists. Crack your intuitive code and find a new source of power. Learn more.

Myth #5: Make tough career decisions like business decisions. Or gamble. Choosing between two wonderful opportunities? Or two equally scary options? Estimate probabilities...or give up and flip a coin.

Reality #5: Work with new processes designed specifically for life decisions. Learn more.

Myth #6: Feeling scared? Stop!

Reality #6: Fear can be your friend, especially when you're moving outside your comfort zone into a new adventure. Fear means you're taking care of yourself as you move into the unknown. Learn more.

Myth #7: Career change means feeling stressed and miserable.

Reality #7: Career change can become a source of meaning and growth. Most people look back with gratitude on this time in their lives. Learn more.