Many hold onto beliefs about specific careers, often based on second-hand information or outdated stereotypes. These myths can influence our career choices, leading to disappointment and missed opportunities.
In this article, we’ll dispel 15 common profession myths, revealing the truth behind popular misconceptions and empowering you to make informed career decisions.
VETERINARY MEDICINE IS EASY
Veterinary medicine is often associated with spending time with fluffy kittens, playful puppies, and passionate doctors saving animals. While the field is undoubtedly rewarding and filled with moments of joy, it’s essential to recognize that it’s also a demanding and challenging profession.
A user says, “Veterinary medicine is not a happy-go-lucky career choice where you get to deal with cute animals rather than people. Most of your patients are sick and scared, and every case involves a fraught negotiation with their stressed-out human.”
JOBS OF AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST IS EASY
While many see anesthesiologists as the calm, silent figures in the operating room, their role extends beyond simply putting patients to sleep. In reality, the job is a complex and demanding one, requiring exceptional skill, unwavering focus, and a unique blend of medical knowledge and emotional resilience.
One extra dose and the patient can be dead.
MAINTENANCE IS NOT IMPORTANT
Many people think maintenance is not worth doing and worth paying for. The usual “I don’t know why we pay those maintenance guys; nothing ever breaks here!” saga is known to everyone.
Did you know Germany and Japan (and South Korea) became and remain such manufacturing powerhouses because they see the value of maintenance? If you keep everything clean and in good working order, you end up with minimum downtime.
PUBLIC LIBRARIAN ONLY CURATES BOOKS
Many think the only thing librarians do is curate books and sit on the desk. A librarian says, “While curating books is still a portion of the job, much is done by database assistance and training, program development and teaching, and public education. It’s much closer to school teaching, but for adults and without grading homework.”
TAKING AN AMBULANCE GIVE YOU PRIORITY TREATMENT
While taking an ambulance to the emergency room can ensure prompt medical attention and transportation, it doesn’t necessarily translate to immediate or prioritized treatment. Many factors determine patient care order in the ER, not just the mode of arrival.
A user says, “If you go to the ER(Emergency Room) via ambulance, it does not mean you will be seen quicker. ERs take the sickest people first, not those who come in by ambulance first.”
TEACHERS HAVE A LOT OF SAY
From meticulously planned lesson plans to seemingly effortless classroom management, many perceive teachers as having everything under control. However, this image often masks a reality far more complex and challenging.
A user says, “Teachers have very little say in anything. We advocate best, but it’s out of our hands most of the time, including holding children back who desperately need help.”
EVERYTHING IS 100% RECYCLED
While recycling is a crucial step towards environmental sustainability, the misconception that everything we toss in the blue bin magically transforms into new products persists. According to National Geographic, only about 32 percent of our trash gets recycled.
LAWYERS ALWAYS EARN WELL
While high-profile cases and courtroom dramas often portray lawyers as living a life of luxury, this image doesn’t reflect the reality for many legal professionals. The truth is, the legal field encompasses a wide range of income levels, with significant disparities depending on practice area, experience, and location.
A user says, “That all lawyers make absurd amounts of money. The ones that won’t sell their entire life for big bucks tend to make average money.”
CODERS KNOW HOW TO FIX EVERY TECH PROBLEM
While coders possess a deep understanding of computers and software, they aren’t necessarily wizards who can fix all your tech woes. An engineer says, “I can write code. I cannot debug most of your Windows problems without googling them first.”
THERAPIST
While expressing emotions and “venting” can be an initial part of therapy, it’s far from the sole focus. A therapist explains, “Therapy is not just about venting or having someone always agree to make you feel better. We validate and listen, and venting happens sometimes, but we also challenge you, encourage you to set goals and make changes, and sometimes give you ‘homework.’
Therapy is an active process; if you want to see change, you must be willing to make change. Media has warped people’s ideas, and they expect miracles to happen by showing up without any effort”
CYBER SECURITY
While Hollywood portrays cybersecurity as a thrill-seeking adventure filled with dramatic hacks and daring exploits, the reality is far less glamorous. Cybersecurity professionals face a complex and demanding job, requiring meticulous attention to detail, constant vigilance, and a deep understanding of ever-evolving threats.
A user says, “Cybersecurity is tedious. If you are doing pen testing, 60% of your time is spent on deliverables (reports). That’s what you are paid for, and that’s what decides if the customer will contact you again. Outside of assignments? Learning. Learning and learning.”
MAGICIANS HAVE BEAUTIFUL ASSISTANTS
While the image of a handsome magician with a glamorous assistant is often perpetuated in popular culture, this stereotype doesn’t accurately represent the reality of magic shows. A magician says, “Contrary to popular belief, not every magician has a beautiful assistant. In fact, the only time I make women disappear is when I tell them I’m a magician.”
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This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.