Reclaiming Control: How to Move Forward in Your Career When You Feel Stuck
When Staying Feels Like the Only Option
Have you ever looked around your workplace and felt conflicted—thinking, This doesn’t feel right anymore. It’s time to move on—while knowing deep down that leaving simply isn’t an option right now?
I’ve been there myself. And I see it increasingly with my clients.
The passion has faded, growth opportunities have dried up, but family responsibilities, financial realities, an unpredictable job market, or the pull of golden handcuffs—like pensions or other benefits—make staying the practical choice, even when it’s not the exciting one.
For women of colour, this predicament carries even greater weight. Research consistently shows that we face more barriers to advancement, receive less mentorship, and often need to work twice as hard for the same recognition.
So when we decide it’s time to move on, it’s usually because we’ve pushed as hard as we can—without success.
“We don’t have the luxury of complacency.”
The reality is, workplace systems weren’t built with our advancement in mind. While others might be naturally pulled into growth opportunities, we often have to create our own. Every day spent in passive frustration rather than intentional development widens the already challenging representation gap in leadership roles.
That’s why the decision to stay is particularly crucial. We don’t have the luxury of complacency during these “waiting periods.”
Here’s what I’ve learned from navigating this exact challenge in my own career: Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
The waiting period doesn’t have to be wasted time—it can become the foundation for your next chapter.
How to Transform "Stuck" Into Strategic Growth
Here’s how I coach my clients to turn “stuck” into “strategic patience”:
✅ Develop a transferable skill. Pick one skill that will make you valuable anywhere—such as project management, AI, data analysis, or public speaking—and find ways to develop it in your current role.
✅ Take on a high-visibility project. Volunteer for the project no one wants, especially if it involves different departments or senior stakeholders. Increased visibility leads to new opportunities.
✅ Expand your network. Use lunch breaks to connect with colleagues outside your team and build relationships within and beyond your company. The stronger your network, the more access you’ll have to new opportunities, insights, and advocates who can support your growth.
✅ Channel frustration into a passion project. A side project, community work, or a creative outlet can keep your motivation alive while strengthening your skills for future opportunities.
✅ Track your wins. Document your value-added contributions weekly. Keep a wins folder with concrete examples of your achievements—both to boost your confidence and to have proof of your value when it’s time for performance reviews, career conversations or networking events.
✅ Prioritize mental health and self-care: Make self-care a priority during this time—whether it’s through regular breaks, meditation, physical activity, or setting boundaries. Taking care of your mental health ensures you stay resilient and focused while navigating this transitional phase.
Own Your Career—Even in the Waiting Period
Your career isn’t defined by one job—it’s shaped by a series of intentional choices, including how you navigate uncertain moments.
Staying for now is a choice YOU are making. The actions you take during this time will determine whether you emerge stronger, more prepared, and in control of your next move—or frustrated and depleted.
So, be strategic, stay intentional, and invest in your growth—you’ve got this!
Feeling stuck? Let’s connect. I’d love to support you in clarifying your strategic next steps. Sign up for a free consultation today using my Calendly.
Your career deserves it. 🌟
