Why We Stay in a Job We Hate... and What to Do Next

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a job you despise, yearning for change but unsure of how to proceed? If you're nodding in agreement, you're not alone. Many individuals face this dilemma, where the job they're in no longer aligns with their true selves, leaving them feeling like they're living someone else's life.

In my Career Transition work with clients, I've come to understand this as a 'workquake' – a moment when the once-stable ground beneath your career starts to tremble and fall away, leaving you disoriented and ill-prepared for the shift. A 'Workquake' is not just about changing jobs or careers; it's profound and powerful because it's driven by a desire to fulfil your potential and become a more authentic version of yourself at work.

Recognising a career transition isn't just about changing your job is important; it involves a radical redefinition of your self-perception, relationships, social standing, and your entire identity. It's about who you are, how you perceive the world, and how the world perceives you.

Fear

Fear often underpins the reasons we stay in jobs we hate. Fear of change, fear of uncertainty, fear of failure, and fear of judgment can be overwhelming, keeping us stagnant which has negative impacts on our well-being, relationships, and self worth.

The Comfort Zone

The comfort zone can be another powerful force holding us back. We often find ourselves in this zone because we fear the effort required to take the first step toward change. However, pursuing growth outside of this zone can lead to personal transformation.

Lack of Clarity

A lack of clarity about what you truly want in your career can be paralysing. Without a clear vision, it's challenging to take action. Start by identifying your talents as a first step to gain clarity, confidence and a deep understanding of the value you bring.

Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can also be significant barriers. Negative self-talk and the belief that you need extensive qualifications for a new job or career can hold you back. Seeking support from a coach or mentor can be transformative in moving through these limiting beliefs.

Going it Alone

Navigating this journey without support can be slow and agonising. Engaging with a coach or mentor can help you overcome mental barriers, provide a roadmap for your transition, and ensure you have the right support throughout the journey.

Remember, you're not alone in your Career Transition journey.

Seek support from an experienced career transition coach (Hello there!!), or supportive communities (I have created my private Pursuing Brilliance group for this purpose - come and join us over there) to gain guidance, motivation, and accountability. Learning from others' success stories can provide inspiration and hope during your transition.

To kickstart your journey towards a more fulfilling career, here are some actionable steps:

1. Complete my Two Free Coaching sessions to define your Desired Feelings within my private Pursuing Brilliance group (It was the first step I took to kick start my Career Transition in 2015!). It's the perfect priming to get you warmed-up. Click here and ask to join my supportive Pursuing Brilliance Community for those in a Workquake.
   

2. Book a free career strategy call with me to explore your current challenges and future aspirations. I'd love to hear about what it is you are working through right now.

Start sharing your dreams and aspirations for your career transition with those who support you, talking about it is a great start.

Embrace the revolutionary side of change, and take that first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

You've got this! Binny Listen to a podcast episode about this topic:

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Unearth your Superpowers   |   Design the Work Life you Want

Find a Job with Meaning   |   Feel Joy at work  |  Regain Balance in Life Book a Free Career Strategy Chat HERE

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Personalised private 1:1 coaching 

Transforming teams via tailor-made coaching programs  Work is being reimagined... The question isn’t if change is coming—it’s how you’ll navigate it. The future is yours to define.

That’s where I come in. Through a powerful blend of Strengths, Executive, and Career Coaching, I help professionals not just adapt, but thrive.

The workplace is transforming.

With 59% of employees quietly disengaged and 18% actively seeking an exit (Gallup, 2023), job dissatisfaction is at an all-time high.

You already have unique talents—sometimes, they just need to be uncovered.

With the right coaching, skills and knowledge you can turn those talents into strengths, fueling the confidence to embrace career shifts and workplace change with clarity and purpose.

Empowering you to design your work future.

I’m Binny Langler, your lead coach, dedicated to helping individuals and teams thrive. Founder & Director of The Inkling Effect, with over 20 years of experience coaching professionals to discover and apply their unique strengths to create more

fulfilling and meaningful work.

A certified Executive, Gallup Global Strengths Coach & Career Change Coach - with a Masters of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.