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When I first meet clients who are stuck at work they often say that they want a career change because they are fed up with the unrelenting politics, the pointless meetings, the meaningless report writing, yet another organisational change, the lack of recognition and unreasonable bosses.
Sound familiar?
How we get ‘stuck at work’
Indeed, I myself spent ten years longer in a career than I really should have. At first I stayed because I thought walking away would be letting people down – my family had been so proud of my ‘good secure job’. As time went on and I moved up the management ladder more things came into play, including the feeling that I had too much to lose. The huge corporate machine had embedded a ‘this is for life’ culture: offering a variety of jobs enabling numerous career opportunities within one organisation. As with so many, it also claimed to offer the best leadership training programmes in the world, fantastic benefits and a great income compared to others.
All these reasons, along with my diminishing confidence, meant that in effect I had become institutionalised.
Even if you’re working in a small organisation, I’m sure you recognise some of this and I feel for you. I remember the lack of belief that there could be something better waiting for me.
Like so many of my clients who feel stuck at work, my decision to finally do something about getting unstuck came as the result of a health issue caused by stress. Other factors including failed relationships, death of a relative or friend and burn-out are often cited as catalysts for change.
There is good news; there are plenty of things you can do to help you get unstuck. In this series I will take you step by step towards freedom from that ‘stuck’ feeling in your current work situation.
In the first part of the series I invite you to think about why you feel stuck. Once you’re clearer about your reasons for being stuck at work, you’re ready to think about some of the ways I suggest could help you get unstuck.
Read my step-by-step guide to getting unstuck at work
-About Sandra Swan-
I am a professional life coach based in London, Luton and Harpenden specialising in mid-life career change and stress management. I also work with HR Managers & business leaders to help individuals and teams reduce stress through increased resilience.
I offer a free no obligation 20 minute consultation, or sign up for my free 21 page e-workbook ‘Exploring Possibility – A Mid-Lifer’s First Steps to a More Meaningful & Fulfilling Career.