What? No promotion yet again? You might be falling prey to some common career myths.

Surprise: This isn’t your mother’s workplace.

Today, flexibility in work location, hours, and style is the norm. Given these shifts, it’s no shock that the career advice we heard growing up often misses the mark, says career expert Vicki Rothman. Holding onto these outdated beliefs can prevent us from seizing opportunities and making choices that propel us forward. Here’s a breakdown of career myths you should discard immediately if you aim to achieve your full potential.

Myth: Changing careers will derail your progress.

Truth: Career changes are common and often beneficial.

Statistics show that an individual shifts jobs nearly 12 times between ages 18 and 50, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This often leads to three or four distinct career paths. It’s perfectly normal to stray from your original major.

Thanks to transferable skills—such as effective communication, a positive mindset, and tech proficiency—transitioning between jobs is simpler than ever. For instance, skills used by data analysts are also applicable to social media managers, who analyze post metrics. Similarly, if you studied psychology but wish to pursue financial planning, your background may be viewed as valuable for understanding client needs.

Myth: Taking a career break will hurt your future success.

Truth: Breaks can be strategic and manageable.

Whether you’re pausing to raise children, care for relatives, or travel, it’s crucial to consider your goals, advises Imants Jaunarajs, assistant dean of students at Ohio University. A career gap doesn’t mean you won’t find a job later; it just means you’ll need to address that gap on your resume.

This happens more often than you might think. A Harris Interactive survey revealed that 37% of women take breaks to care for family. If you find yourself in this situation, keep up with industry trends and technology during your time off. Maintain connections through coffee chats, emails, or letters, Rothman suggests. Remember, while a long break might mean starting at a lower level, it doesn’t prevent you from rapidly climbing back up the ladder. “People are quite forgiving about gaps these days,” Rothman notes.

Myth: Jobs are easier to get in small towns than cities.

Truth: Larger cities often have more job opportunities, and talent shines anywhere.

Small towns have historically been seen as less competitive for job seekers. However, experts argue that smaller markets can be just as challenging. In larger cities, job seekers simply need solid experience and a well-crafted resume and cover letter, Rothman explains.

While competition is tougher in big cities, don’t let that deter you from pursuing opportunities in metropolitan areas. The adage “It’s not what you know, but who you know” holds true, especially where many vie for the same role. You can familiarize yourself with the job market in any city by engaging in professional groups, attending networking events, and monitoring online job postings.

Don’t feel pressured to stick to smaller locales out of fear—if you don’t explore bigger markets, you may miss transformative career experiences.

Myth: Freelancing lacks financial stability.

Truth: Freelancers can earn as much as traditional employees.

Disregarding freelancing as a career choice eliminates the chance to create something for yourself, Rothman states. Initially, you might need to invest extra hours reaching out to secure enough income to cover expenses and save. (Keep in mind, freelancers also need to manage their own benefits.)

However, transitioning to full-time freelancing is increasingly common. A survey by the Freelancers’ Union and UpWork found that full-time freelancers work nearly 40 hours a week, and over 50 million freelancers exist in the U.S. Additionally, about 30% of freelancers rely solely on their gigs for income, according to research firm Edelman Intelligence.

While freelancers may need to hustle more than traditional employees—your earnings depend on securing jobs—it doesn’t mean freelancing isn’t a viable career option in today’s market.