Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Here’s How to Move Forward with Confidence

You know that feeling—the nagging sense that something isn’t quite right at work. Maybe you wake up dreading your job or stopped feeling challenged and inspired. Perhaps the workplace culture has shifted, and you no longer feel valued. The question starts creeping in: Is it time to leave? It’s a tough question, and the answer isn’t always clear. But one thing is certain—if you’re no longer learning, growing, or feeling fulfilled, it may be time to consider your next step.

I recently had a conversation that brought this dilemma into sharp focus—not as a coach but as a spouse. Coaching your spouse doesn’t work the same way as coaching a client. There’s history, personal dynamics, and—let’s be real—a whole lot of extra opinions involved. Sometimes, the best advice I could give landed differently from me. I had to step back and let her process things in her own time.

Sienna and I recently discussed the challenges of career transitions on the Midlife Remix. During our conversation, she took the opportunity to interview me, and we explored some of the major difficulties people encounter when they find themselves in between what was and what’s next. With over 20 years of marketing experience in various industries, including publishing, beauty, and entertainment, Sienna has navigated her own career transitions and understands the complexities involved.

The Anxiety That Comes After the Pivot

Sienna shared something deeply relatable:

"After the excitement of making a big change wears off, you wonder, did I make the right decision? Even when you know you did, the uncertainty of what comes next can be overwhelming."

My advice? First, before making a major shift, ensure you have a financial safety net. You don’t want to scramble to secure a job under pressure. Having a financial plan in place will help prevent the urgency of finding a job immediately from clouding your judgment. 

Second, allow yourself the time to rest. Sienna stated,

"One of the most valuable advice you gave me was to rest, and honestly, that was really hard for me. I wanted to keep learning and staying up to speed, but stepping back helped me figure out what I truly wanted."

This can be particularly challenging for high achievers, but taking time to decompress and reflect is essential. Only when we calm our minds can we create space for creativity and gain clarity about what we truly want in the next stage of our lives. You may not realize what it feels like to be free from stress until you take a substantial break.

Structure your days with activities that bring you joy, whether exercise, meditation, or learning a new skill. This time isn’t about being productive; it's about reconnecting with yourself.

Redefining Your Identity, Letting Go, and Being Kind to Yourself

The self is a concept we shape over time through our experiences, societal expectations, and the roles we play. We create identities like "I am a leader" or "I am a parent," which can be helpful but also limiting. Major life transitions can disrupt these roles, but they also offer a chance to redefine ourselves beyond job titles. Instead of clinging to external labels, we should focus on our intrinsic qualities—our passions, values, and the impact we want to have.

Embracing change requires trust: trust that you will adapt even if things don’t go as planned and that your worth is tied to your abilities, not external labels. It also requires self-compassion. Change is difficult, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself during the process. Be patient. Speak to yourself with kindness, just as you would to a friend navigating a similar transition. Recognizing that growth takes time allows you to approach this phase with more confidence and less self-judgment. The more we detach from rigid expectations, the more confidently and clearly we can move forward. Being open to change involves letting go of these expectations and embracing the unknown.

The Power of Values and Non-Negotiables

Clarifying your core values is key when searching for the next opportunity. What are your non-negotiables? What kind of culture do you thrive in? Rather than focusing solely on job titles and industries, think about how you want to feel in your next role. This perspective shift can open up career paths you hadn’t considered before.

Networking with Intention

Networking can feel transactional, but it doesn’t have to be. Sienna reflected,

"I used to hate networking because I didn’t want to seem like I was just asking for something. But when I started approaching it as a conversation—just genuinely connecting with people—it completely changed the experience for me."

The best networking comes from authentic connections. Instead of approaching conversations with What can they do for me?, reframe it to How can I add value? Cultivating relationships is an ongoing process—don’t wait until you need a job to start building your network.

Manifesting Career Success

Manifestation is often misunderstood, but at its core, it’s about clarity. I explained to Sienna that it’s not merely about positive thinking; it’s about training your brain to recognize opportunities. Once you start believing in a new possibility, you’ll begin to notice paths that you may have overlooked before. If you don’t know what you want, how can you pursue it? The key is aligning your daily habits with your desired outcomes and rewiring your brain to believe that you are the person you wish to become. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s about setting clear intentions and following through with action.

Final Thoughts

Career transitions, especially in midlife, can be daunting. But they’re also an opportunity to redefine success on your terms. By focusing on values, internal validation, intentional networking, and allowing yourself time to rest and reflect, you set yourself up for a fulfilling next chapter.

I’d love to hear from you—have you gone through a career transition? What helped you navigate it? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.

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