5 Signs You Might Be Sabotaging Your Career Dreams

Have you ever felt stuck in a job that no longer fulfills you? You dream of making a career change, but the thought of taking the first step feels overwhelming. You tell yourself, "Now isn't the right time," or "What if I fail?" But deep down, you know you're holding yourself back.

One of my coachees, Maria* (name changed for privacy), was in this exact situation. In her early-40s, she felt unfulfilled in her corporate role and wanted to pursue a career that aligned with her passions. However, self-doubt and fear of failure paralyzed her. She procrastinated, telling herself she wasn’t "ready enough."

During our coaching sessions, she realized that she was trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage—convincing herself that staying in her comfort zone was safer than pursuing what she truly wanted. Together, we uncovered her fears, reframed her mindset, and built a practical action plan that felt manageable and inspiring.

Here are 5 signs you might be sabotaging your own career dreams, just like she once was:

1?? You procrastinate endlessly on decisions about your career.

2?? You tell yourself, "I’ll do it when the timing is perfect."

3?? You doubt your ability to succeed before even trying.

4?? You stay in your comfort zone, even when it feels unfulfilling.

5?? You let fear of judgment or failure hold you back.

Was Maria* scared? Absolutely. But instead of letting that fear control her, she used it as fuel. Today, she’s actively transitioning into her dream career and taking steps that once felt impossible.

Many mid-career professionals feel this tug-of-war: they crave change but get caught in procrastination, perfectionism, or doubt. If this resonates with you, know this—you’re not alone, and it is possible to break free from this cycle.

?? In my next article, I’ll share what might really be behind self-sabotage and how you can start overcoming it. Stay tuned!

Are you ready to stop putting off your dreams and start taking action now? Let’s connect. I’d love to hear your story and explore how I can support you in designing a career that excites and fulfills you.

#CareerChange #MidCareer #WomenInTransition #CoachingForWomen #StopProcrastinating