When you’ve spent years on end climbing the corporate ladder, only to get to the top and realize you want something else … it can be difficult. Now maybe …

Maybe you’ve followed a single career path your entire life but suddenly find yourself wanting a change.

Maybe you’re still in search of your passion.

Whatever your reason for considering a new direction, know this … if entrepreneurship is calling you, then being over 40 doesn’t mean this is no longer a viable option. In fact, just the opposite is true. Your age can actually be an asset if you want to go into business for yourself.

So, what holds most women back? Many of us get stuck in old beliefs or make false assumptions that prevent us from making a change for the better. Here are some of the most common myths about changing careers and what you can do to overcome them:

Myth #1: Changing careers/becoming an entrepreneur is too risky.

With bills and a family to support, it’s easy to think you can’t leave the safety of what you know for the fulfillment of what you desire. But truthfully, what’s riskier is you staying at a job where you’re no longer challenged or excited. That’s a sure-fire way to eventually hate and dread something you spend most of your time doing.

Instead of letting money drive your decision-making, let time be the reason why you make a change. Money is a resource you can get more of … time isn’t. Pick a new venture that allows you to spend your time feeling fulfilled.

Myth #2: Changing careers means abandoning long-term professional relationships.

While it can be scary to jump into something new without having support, the truth is you don’t have to give up the relationships you’ve cultivated over the years.

Instead, tell those in your network about your new career or venture. This way you’ll be top of mind should anyone in their network need someone in your new industry.

Myth #3: Changing careers means you won’t be the go-to expert anymore.

What holds most people back from going after their dreams of entrepreneurship or changing industries is the fear of doing something new. What if you’re not good at it? What if you don’t like it? Being a beginner at something certainly comes with challenges, but growth always happens outside of your comfort zone.

Think back to all the times in your career where you pushed back the discomfort and did it anyway. More than likely, you were rewarded for taking action, even if it didn’t feel great at the time. As the saying goes, “Do it scared.”

It is 100% possible to change careers or become an entrepreneur after 40.

So many greats have done it. Toni Morrison didn’t become an acclaimed author until after 40. Viola Davis didn’t get noticed for her acting skills until after 40.

Vera Wang didn’t open her own fashion business until after 40.

Listen, life is too short to stay in a miserable job or career. You deserve to spend your time being happy and fulfilled. Whatever you decide to pursue, we’re going to be right there with you, cheering you on every step of the way. Gurl, you got this!

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Switch careers effortlessly – whether you’re a corporate maven or an entrepreneur-to-be – with tips and tricks from women who’ve been there and done that on the Gurl U R Not Alone podcast. Subscribe here.