If you’re feeling trapped and unfulfilled in your corporate career you’re not alone. So many people find themselves stuck in a job that no longer excites them, feeling restless and yearning for more. They want a different life but they stay because they don’t know what else to do.
Fear of making the wrong move and financial concerns can keep you feeling stuck, but there is a way forward, and you have more options than you think.
Why Do You Feel Stuck?
You might be experiencing one or all of these factors.
1. You’re on autopilot. You followed the traditional path – the “right” qualifications, a “good” job, you’re seen as successful in the conventional sense but you’re questioning if this is what you really want. The world has changed and there are many different paths now. The old work model is outdated and you don’t have to settle for a model that doesn’t fit the way you want to live.
2. Fear – You might feel you need a perfect plan before making a move, but that’s just your brain trying to keep you safe. The brain likes to deal with what it knows, so when faced with something new it instills fear in you to keep you from taking different action. In fact the brain will quickly rewire itself when you do something new, so try not to let fear stop you from moving forward.
3. Financial concerns – This is another form of fear. Your regular salary can make it feel impossible to walk away, even if you’re unhappy. However that’s your brain trying to keep you safe again, as well as you not yet seeing what else is possible for you.
4. Not knowing what to do next – Another form of fear. Your brain is telling you to stay in your so-called comfort zone because it knows how to deal with the status quo. But this is actually a discomfort zone because you’re not happy. It’s hard to see the alternatives when you’re stressed and busy with the daily grind, but there are ways for you to find them.
All of these feelings are normal and you can move past them, just as many others have done.
How to Get Unstuck and Move Forward
1. Get to know yourself
Do you know what makes you tick? Your values, your characteristics (the positive and the challenging), what interests you and what lights you up? Getting to know yourself is essential if you’re going to step into a future which is fully aligned with who you are. If you don’t do this work first you run the risk of choosing another career for the wrong reasons, which will end up with you feeling dissatisfied and stuck again further down the line.
2. Consider what you don’t like in your job
Uncovering why you’re feeling unhappy and unfulfilled will help you understand what needs to change. Think about what parts of your job drain you, and when you feel the most frustrated or unmotivated.
3. What do you want from your work?
What aspects of your job do you enjoy? What would you love to do more of in future?
People often want to leave corporate life because they want more freedom. But what would that actually look like for you?
• More remote working?
• More control?
• Running your own business?
• More time for family, travel, or a personal passion?
If there’s a different driver for you wanting to leave corporate life, dig deep into it. Clarifying what you want to move towards makes it easier to take the next step.
4. Explore Possibilities Without Pressure
You don’t have to leave your job straight away. You can start exploring new options while you’re still doing your existing job.
– Explore topics that excite you, even if you can’t yet see how they could translate into a career.
– Consider what you love to do, and whether there’s anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had chance yet.
– Talk to people who’ve made a similar transition.
– Learn a new skill that sparks your curiosity.
If you struggle for time and headspace to do this, consider whether you could negotiate a sabbatical. If not, a weekend or more away from home without distractions could give you space to think and investigate.
5. Tackle your fears
Knowing that fear is just your brain’s way of trying to keep you safe can help you move past it. Another way is to reframe your thoughts. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, ask yourself how it would feel for you if this change could lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Spend some time considering the worst case scenario and what you would do if that actually happened. Having a backup plan can help build your confidence in moving forward.
Changing your viewpoint can help you move from fear to excitement about the possibilities ahead.
6. Create an Action Plan
Having a simple plan enables you to start taking steps towards your new exciting future.
Step 1 – Get to know yourself fully, and what you really want from life.
Step 2 – Know your finances. Speak to a financial adviser if necessary. You might already have the funds to support you through a 3 or 6 month break which will give you the time and headspace to focus on what you want from your future life.
Step 3 – Research the kinds of work you’re interested in. Be curious and don’t dismiss things just because they don’t fit the traditional path you’ve been used to.
Step 4 – Listen to your intuition. It tells you a great deal about what’s important to you and what isn’t right for you.
7 -Get Support
Making a big change can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Working with a mentor or coach can guide you through your transition and help you get into your new life faster than if you go it alone. Book a power-hour with me to get you started:
https://calendly.com/yournewdawn/power-hour
You have the opportunity to create a life that truly excites you.
It’s time for you to start moving towards the freedom, fulfilment, and success you deserve.
