If you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced the feeling of running in place at work, wasting energy but not getting anywhere. Many women find themselves stuck in a career rut, unsure of how to move forward. It’s not just about experiencing the Sunday scaries; it’s a deeper sense of dissatisfaction and a feeling that you’re capable of so much more. 

Let’s chat for a moment about the top three signs you might be stuck in a career rut and my thoughts on what you can do about it.

1. You’re No Longer Challenged

Remember when you first started your job, and everything felt new and exciting? Fast forward to today, and you could probably do your work with your eyes closed. If you’re not being challenged at work, it’s easy to become disengaged and lose interest. This lack of stimulation can lead to boredom and even resentment toward your job. Believe me when I say…I’ve been there.

One of my clients spent several years in a medical billing role and, at one point, she actually enjoyed it. When we had our initial consultation, she was clearly over it. She started taking time off because the spark was completely gone and she felt like she had no options. Each day felt like she was just going through the motions. 

What to Do: It might be time to look for new challenges, either within your current role or by exploring opportunities elsewhere. Consider taking on a side project, learning a new skill, or even looking into roles that align more closely with your current interests. If you’re feeling stuck, it might be time to start planning a career change. Please don’t ignore the feeling because it will likely lead to even deeper resentment. 

2. You Feel Undervalued

Do you feel like your contributions are overlooked or underappreciated? Feeling undervalued at work can be incredibly demoralizing, especially when you know you’re capable of more. Whether it’s a lack of recognition, limited opportunities for advancement, or being passed over for promotions, feeling undervalued is a clear sign that something needs to change.

Imagine you’ve been at your company for years, consistently exceeding expectations, but every time a promotion comes up, you’re overlooked in favor of someone less experienced. You’ve voiced your concerns, but nothing has changed. You’re left feeling stuck and questioning your worth.

What to Do: Start by assessing whether the issue lies within the company culture or if it’s something that could be resolved with a conversation with your manager. If the culture is toxic or change is unlikely, it might be time to consider your options elsewhere. You deserve to be in a role where your contributions are recognized and valued.

3. You’re Unhappy With Your Work-Life Balance

With some major organizations making headlines for rolling out return-to-office mandates lately, I’m sure many of you can relate to this one. In today’s world, flexibility and work-life balance are more important than ever. If your job is demanding too much of your time and leaving you with little energy for anything else, it’s a strong indicator that you’re in a career rut. The stress of constantly juggling work and personal life can certainly lead to burnout, making it hard to perform at your best.

Let’s say you’ve been working late nights and weekends just to keep up with the demands of your job. You barely have time for your family, let alone yourself. You’re exhausted, and the thought of continuing this way long-term feels overwhelming. This imbalance is a major red flag that something needs to change immediately. In my experience as a career coach, I've seen firsthand how these signs can escalate if not addressed

What to Do: It’s so important to set firm boundaries and prioritize your well-being. If your current job doesn’t allow for the flexibility you need, it might be time to explore remote or hybrid opportunities that better align with your lifestyle. That’s where I come in. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to download my list of 100 employers hiring remote employees THIS YEAR! Click HERE for immediate access.

What’s Next? 

If any of these signs resonate with you, know you are not alone. Also, know that it’s time to take action. If you’re really ready to take the next step and partner with an expert, consider scheduling a free 20-minute consultation with me. Together, we can create a personalized action plan that aligns with your goals and helps you achieve the career change you desire.

I’ll leave you with this…

Feeling stuck in a career rut is frustrating but it’s also an opportunity for growth and change. Don’t sweep it under the rug. You deserve a job that challenges you, values your contributions, and allows you to maintain a healthy integration of work and life. That’s why I’m here to help. If you’re ready to explore your options, join my community today, or better yet, book a free consultation by clicking here. 

I look forward to connecting with you and playing a role in your journey.

Kristina