A Career Coach Says These 10 Beliefs Keep People Trapped In Jobs They’ve Totally Outgrown
Africa Images | Canva Most people don't stay stuck in jobs they've outgrown because they lack talent or opportunity — they stay because of the stories they tell themselves.
Your beliefs can keep you trapped in jobs you’ve outgrown. No matter where you are in your career, it’s important to periodically assess whether you and your career are feeling the mutual love vibe. If things are not as great as they once were, your negative beliefs may be keeping you stuck in an unfulfilling career.
Career coach says these 10 beliefs keep people trapped in jobs they’ve outgrown:
Belief #1: It's too late to change
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
Negative or limiting beliefs are thoughts and opinions that you believe to be absolutely true but stop you from advancing and growing. And here’s what else they do: Negative beliefs act as a defense mechanism against emotions or decisions you’d rather not face. When you challenge them, you may find that you can shake negative beliefs and replace them with ones that serve you.
“You’ve already made your career choice. Who are you to change it now? If you didn’t like this career, you should have course-corrected years ago. What’s done is done.” This belief makes you feel the die is set, but when is it ever too late to change?
Positive belief: “It’s never too late. You made the decisions that brought you this far; you can trust yourself to make one more decision to explore what’s next.”
Belief #2: It’s safer to stay where you are
Jelena Zelen | Shutterstock
“You earned your degrees, and now you’re working in your field of study. The people you work with are OK, and the boss is cool.” It’s “the devil you know” syndrome. But going elsewhere could be better.
A study found that over 40 years, people who stayed in the same organization over time became less satisfied, and people who moved to different organizations over time became happier. Which is better? Security in a career you don’t love or the potential for happiness?
Positive belief: “You want to be happy. People like you are happier when they make moves to other organizations. Why not you?”
Belief #3: You don't know where to go
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
“You need to stay put because of a lack of clarity. It’s better to stay miserable until you figure out what to do next.” It’s understandable to want clarity. Don’t wait for the full picture to emerge before you act. Take small steps with the clarity you have.
"Notice when you're getting distracted and course correct when you need to get back on track," reminded career coach Lisa Petsinis. "Consistency and persistence are vital. One day at a time with your eye on the prize, and you'll win the race."
Positive belief: “Your world is bigger than you think. You have lots to offer, and it may be elsewhere, working with new people who appreciate you.”
Belief #4: You don't have a passion or purpose
CREATISTA via Shutterstock
“There must be millions of people who don’t have a purpose. They barely exist at work. What makes you so special that you should like your work?” You may already be expressing your passion and purpose in a leisure or volunteer activity. Or, you may be dreaming of it.
Career coach Jeff Saperstein suggested, "You can start constructing your purpose by answering these questions: What would you like your work to do for you? How do you want to feel about yourself? How do you want to work with others? What are your goals and ways to coordinate the different activities into a congruent career path?"
Positive belief: “Yes, you do have a passion, and you do have a purpose. You just haven’t thought about it in a while.”
Belief #5: Your career is your identity
insta_photos via Shutterstock
“You enjoy the sense of satisfaction and perception of power that comes with the title. People respect you. You couldn’t possibly leave this and expect anything better elsewhere.”
A survey showed that approximately 51% of Americans get a sense of identity from their job. On the other hand, 47% stated their job is simply what they do for a living. The survey found that "The same factors that underlie job satisfaction are linked to deeper attitudes about work."
Positive belief: “It may feel like your job is your identity, but if you lost it tomorrow, you would still be you.”
Belief #6: You're stuck
Motortion Films via Shutterstock
“You’ve paid into a pension for many years now. The benefits are too good to pass up.” You’re held back by the classic golden handcuffs. This negative belief makes you fear the loss of a lifestyle by leaving. The financial incentives keep you addicted. You believe this is the only organization in the world that offers this. But what if you were to learn to be intrinsically motivated in your career?
Positive belief: “People leave careers at all ages. Most are happier for it. You can be, too.”
Belief #7: You don't want to disappoint
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
“My parents always wanted me to have a stable job.” They wanted what’s best for you, but how old is that belief, and how applicable is it today? I’ll bet they wanted you to be happy, too.
Family coach Pamela D. Wilson explained, "The ability to achieve purpose in life is creating our own opportunities. Life doesn't wait for us. By being conscientious and planning, doors open. Being open requires the ability to be an extrovert when needed. We have to go for it rather than stand in the corner and hope that life comes to us. "
Positive belief: “Do what’s best for you and your family and move forward.”
Belief #8: Your job is not supposed to make you happy
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
“Everyone else is frustrated and burned out, so why should you be happy?” According to a survey, more than one in three feel that way. And it is not all about money. Though pay is important, money alone isn't the solution. Some very well-paid people are among the most disengaged, and disengaged white-collar workers are slightly more likely than others to be looking for a job. So, separate yourself from the ones that drag you down and be positive. If one in three are burned out, two in three are not.
Positive belief: “You deserve to be happy in your career.”
Belief #9: You don't have time to invest in a new career
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
“You need to relax and just chill.” That’s good. You need that, but not all the time. Are you happy enough with the way things are to stay that way? For the next five years, or until retirement? If not, set aside a few hours a week to research careers that get your blood pumping.
"What gives your life meaning and purpose?" asked leadership coach Sue Kohn-Taylor. "This foundation becomes the basis for many other life choices, such as career, relationships, and personal development. If you're clear about your values and purpose, you can align your decisions and actions accordingly, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life."
Positive belief: “You do have time. You can prioritize it to create a plan.”
Belief #10: Failure is inevitable — isn't it?
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
“You have an idea of what might be better, but there’s no guarantee of success.” True, but you’re on the right path. A study has suggested that people at all stages of their careers question where they are at times. To put it in perspective, if you’re 25 and plan to retire at 65, you have 40 years of work ahead of you. At age 35, it’s 30 years to go, and at age 50, a decade-and-a-half before that awkward retirement dinner. That’s a long time to spend in a career you don’t love.
Positive belief: “What if you succeed? What if it turns out far better than you expected?”
If negative beliefs are keeping you stuck in a career you don’t love, it’s time to bid adieu to your negative beliefs and replace them with ones that serve you. As a career coach, I have worked with people in their early 20s, up to their late 50s, who have recognized and overcome the negative beliefs holding them back. A career coach will help you explore and define your professional career-related goals.
Through gaining clarity on your personal values, mission, and vision, and how they align with your current work situation, you will discover a personal career path to pursue. If you’re unhappy in your career, when will you take the first step toward a career you love?
Brent Roy, PCC, CMC, is a certified career, communications effectiveness, and personal development coach.
