Hi there! I’m Lidia Plotkina, a Naluri Executive Coach. If you're reading this, chances are you're feeling a bit stuck in your career. Maybe you’ve been questioning where you’re headed, wondering if you’re in the right place, or just feeling like something’s missing. I want you to know that this is a completely normal part of the career journey—and you’re definitely not alone.
I’ve worked with countless people who’ve felt exactly the same way, and the good news is that there’s always a way forward. Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong job or that your career has hit a dead end. It’s simply a signal that something needs to shift, and the best part? You have the power to make that change, one step at a time.
In this article, I’ll share the common reasons people feel stuck and, more importantly, what to do when you’re feeling stuck at work. Whether you're looking for more clarity, reigniting your passion, or simply trying to rediscover your purpose, I’m here to help you take that next step.
Why do you feel stuck in your career?
Before we dive into what to do when you’re feeling stuck at work, it’s important to understand why you might feel stagnant in your career. The reasons for this feeling are often deeply personal and varied, but here are some common themes that emerged from the conversations I’ve had with my clients:
- One of the most common reasons I see is that people lose sight of themselves along the way. You might have entered your job full of enthusiasm and purpose, but as time passed, the day-to-day tasks may have dulled that initial excitement. The demands of the job, deadlines, and responsibilities can pull you away from your core values, your passions, and the things that originally brought you joy.
- Another major reason people feel stuck is feeling overwhelmed. You may be good at many things or have multiple interests, making it challenging to pick one direction confidently. Having too many options can be as paralysing as having none at all. Often, clients tell me they’re worried about making the “wrong” choice. It’s a common fear. With so many possibilities, it can be hard to know where to start or what will bring you the most satisfaction.
- Sometimes, feeling stuck stems from a lack of clarity about what you really want from your career. You might be in a role that isn’t fulfilling, but you’re not entirely sure why. It could be that your job no longer aligns with your personal values or aspirations, but because you haven’t taken time to reflect, you’re not quite sure what’s missing.
- And then, there’s fear. Fear of making the wrong decision can keep you from taking action. You may worry about the consequences of taking action—what if it doesn’t work out? What if you regret your decision? This kind of thinking is called catastrophizing, where you focus on worst-case scenarios that may never actually happen.
When you feel stuck, it’s often because you’re experiencing something called analysis paralysis. This happens when you overthink every option to the point where you can’t make any decision at all. You weigh out all the pros and cons and worry about the possible consequences of making a wrong move.
If you feel like you’re trapped in this cycle of overthinking, the key is to start small. Don’t worry about having a perfect plan or making big changes immediately. Focus on what you can do today, even if it’s just a tiny step.
What can you do when you’re feeling stuck at work?
So, what can you do when you’re feeling stuck at work? The answer starts with self-discovery. Taking time to reflect on who you are, what you want, and what brings you joy is key to reigniting your career journey. Here are some tools that I often recommend as a Naluri Executive Coach to help you gain clarity and direction:
1. The ‘ikigai’ concept
One helpful framework to explore is 'ikigai', a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” It helps you find fulfilment by reflecting on four key areas:
- What you love: What activities make you feel energised and happy?
- What you’re good at: What skills do you excel at?
- What the world needs: How can your work contribute positively to others?
- What you can be paid for: What skills or services are valuable in the job market?
By finding the intersection between these four areas, you can identify the kind of work that brings you the most joy and purpose. Start by asking yourself:
- What parts of my job do I enjoy the most?
- What tasks make me feel energised, and what drains me?
- What would my ideal workday look like?
Reflecting on these questions can give you insight into how your current role aligns with your passions and whether there are adjustments you can make to feel more fulfilled.
2. Personality tests
Another tool to gain clarity is personality assessments. Tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or CliftonStrengths can offer insights into your personality traits and natural strengths. Understanding how these traits align with your current role can help you identify areas where you thrive and areas where you may struggle.
A key takeaway here is to focus on your strengths. Too often, we spend energy trying to improve our weaknesses when we could be enhancing what we’re already good at. By building on your strengths, you’ll find greater satisfaction and success in your work.
3. Values alignment
Sometimes, feeling stuck in your career comes from a misalignment between your work and your personal values. Values are the core principles that guide your decisions and actions, and when your job doesn’t align with them, it can feel disheartening.
Take a moment to write down your top five values. These could include creativity, work-life harmony, or helping others. Then, reflect on whether your current role allows you to honour these values. If not, think about small changes you can make in your work to bring it more in line with what matters to you.
4. Regular skills audit
The job market is always evolving, and it’s important to stay adaptable. That’s why I recommend doing a regular audit of your skills and strengths. Assess where you are now, what skills are in demand, and how your current abilities match up.
Ask yourself:
- What skills do I have that are valuable in my industry?
- Are there new skills I need to develop to stay competitive?
- How can I continue to build on my strengths to remain engaged in my role?
This process can help you stay up-to-date and ensure that you’re always growing, even if you’re not actively looking to change jobs.
What are some common questions you get asked as a Naluri Executive Coach?
When my clients are going through this rough patch, most of them ask similar questions to each other that you might be wondering yourself. Here are some of them:
1. “I don’t know what I want. How do I find my passion?”
One of the most common questions I get from clients is, “How do I find my passion or purpose?” Many people think that passion is something you either have or you don’t. But in reality, passion is often something you create by focusing on meaningful work.
Instead of asking, “What is my passion?” try reframing the question:
- What problems am I good at solving?
- Who can benefit from my skills?
- How can I use my strengths to make a positive impact?
By focusing on the problems you can solve and the people you can help, you’ll often discover your passion naturally. And when your work feels purposeful, you’ll feel more motivated and fulfilled.
2. “I know what I don’t want, but I don’t know what I want. How do I get clarity?”
Knowing what you don’t want is a good start. It helps you set boundaries and avoid paths that drain your energy. From there, it’s about exploring and experimenting. Rather than stressing about finding the perfect fit immediately, allow yourself to test different tasks or projects. Pay attention to how each one makes you feel—what brings you excitement or a sense of accomplishment?
Start with a simple brainstorming activity where you write down everything you enjoy and excel at. Putting these thoughts on paper can bring clarity in ways that keeping them in your head can’t. Sometimes, just taking the step to articulate your likes, dislikes, and strengths will give you more insight into what direction to take.
3. "I’ve lost my motivation and drive. What should I do?"
Everyone experiences losing motivation at some point. It’s often due to burnout, feeling stuck in a routine, or even personal challenges outside of work. When this happens, the first thing I suggest is to take a step back and reflect on whether your current role aligns with your values and strengths.
Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- Why am I feeling like this now? Was there a trigger or event that led to this?
- When was the last time I took a proper break—completely unplugged from work?
- Do I just need some time to recharge, or is this a deeper issue?
Motivation is often a symptom of something bigger. The key is finding the root cause—whether it’s external (such as workplace dynamics) or internal (such as misalignment with your role). Once you pinpoint why you feel this way, you can start addressing the real issue.
4. "I’m no longer satisfied with my job. How do I move on?"
If you’re constantly feeling unsatisfied with your job, it’s important to dig deeper into what’s driving that dissatisfaction. However, this doesn’t mean you must jump ship and start over. Sometimes, small changes within your current role can help you find renewed purpose.
Ask yourself:
- Are there aspects of my role that I do enjoy? Can I focus more on those?
- Could I take on new responsibilities or projects that challenge me?
- How can I bring more meaning into my day-to-day work?
Even small tweaks—such as shifting your focus to more fulfilling tasks or taking on a side project that aligns with your interests—can reignite a sense of purpose. Sometimes dissatisfaction is a sign that you’ve outgrown certain aspects of your role, and it’s time to evolve or engage in something new, even within your current job.
5. "My job doesn’t align with my values. What should I do?"
When your job feels out of sync with your personal values, it creates an inner conflict that can lead to frustration or even disillusionment. It’s important to take some time to reflect on what matters most to you. How does your current role support—or contradict—those values?
It’s also worth assessing the scale of the misalignment. Is it a minor issue, affecting just 20-30% of your work experience, or is it a major disconnect influencing most of your day? If it’s the latter, then it might be time to consider bigger changes. But if it’s smaller, there could be room for improvement in your current role.
Start by reviewing your values and your company’s—both stated and lived. Is there a gap between them? If so, is it a gap you can close by adjusting your job scope or responsibilities? Sometimes, talking to your boss about your concerns can lead to positive changes that bring your work back into alignment with your values.
Conclusion
Feeling stuck doesn’t have to be the end of your career story—it can be the beginning of a new chapter. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective, a bit of self-reflection, and the courage to take small, intentional steps toward change. Whether you're unsure of your next move, struggling to find motivation, or feeling disconnected from your work, remember that you can reshape your career journey.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Book a private 1-on-1 consultation with a Naluri Executive Coach today. Naluri Executive Coaches can provide the support, guidance, and clarity you need to confidently move forward.
Lidia Plotkina is a dedicated Naluri Executive Coach with a wealth of experience in guiding professionals toward achieving their career goals. With a compassionate and results-oriented approach, she helps clients navigate their unique challenges, whether it’s finding clarity in their career paths, overcoming obstacles, or aligning their roles with personal values. Lidia combines her expertise in personal development and career strategy to foster meaningful growth, empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and thrive in their professional environments. Her warm, engaging style encourages open dialogue and self-discovery, making her a trusted partner in each client’s journey toward success.