Women tend to feel guilty if they decide they would like to leave or change jobs. This may happen when they reach a certain age, usually around the time their youngest child moves out of the house or if they find themselves divorced or widowed. These women are usually mid-way through their lives and they make excuses as to why they should not or cannot start a new career at this time in their life. There are seven myths about this phenomenon and there are good reasons why women can choose to make any changes they want to in their present situations.

I am too old to change careers. That is simply not true. Men and women today generally have several careers throughout their working lives. There is no reason to let you age deter you from following your dreams.I will lose my health insurance. Ask your employer about this long before you plan to leave your job. Most companies fall under the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA), passed by Congress in 1986. It allows you to continue your health insurance by paying the premiums, which are generally much lower than private health insurance. The COBRA plan is mainly for private employers with more than 20 employees. Again, check with your employer and human resource department to get the details of your particular situation.I don't want to go back to school. Who said anything about school? Many times you will find that you already have skills and abilities which are in high demand by other business, or you may plan to freelance or start your own small business from home. Investigate the possibilities before you leave you current position.I will have to change my present lifestyle. Plan on having enough savings to cover up to one year of living expenses, plus some extra resources if you are planning on starting a new business. Other than that, you should not have to live any differently than you are now. When you begin to live the life you enjoy things will fall into place for you.I don't know what kind of job or business I would like to have. That is the biggest hurdle to overcome when you begin to make changes in your life. Ask yourself what you would love doing if money was not involved. How do you want to spend each day? What activities to do you want to be engaged in. After some serious thought you will find the answers you are searching for.My family is depending on me and expects me to continue with the work I am now doing. It is ideal when your family members and close friends are supportive of your decision to make changes in your life, but it does not always happen that way. Explain to them that you want to make some changes that will be good for you at this time in your life. Tell them that anything you do will always be done with love and with their best interests taken into consideration. Ask them to trust you and support during this time.I am afraid of failing at something new. This is the main reason all people, both men and women, stay in their current situations. We all have a basic fear of failing and not being able to go back to what we were doing previously. Face the fear and run right through it to your new life. You can accomplish anything you set your intentions on. Look at your options, see how you feel, and move ahead. You will be glad you did. We must all make our own choices and decisions about our lives. No one else walks in your shoes. Evaluate your situation and check in with your feelings. Don't let fear keep you from moving toward a life that will ultimately bring you more joy and happiness.