Breaking Free: Navigating Career Stagnation as a Woman Leader

A Holistic Perspective on Career and Life Fulfillment

As a Holistic Leadership Coach for female senior leaders, I often encounter brilliant women who feel stuck in their careers and lives. They've climbed the corporate ladder, achieved remarkable feats, yet find themselves grappling with a sense of stagnation. This issue is widespread, with a 2019 study by LinkedIn revealing that 43% of women have left careers or scaled back their professional ambitions due to lack of alignment with personal values and life goals. What causes this standstill, and more importantly, what can be done?

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When Values and Career Paths Collide

In my own journey, having lived in 12 countries and worked with Fortune 500 companies, I reached a point where my career was not aligned with my values. This misalignment created a deep internal conflict that affected my satisfaction and overall well-being. I felt trapped in a cycle of success that didn't resonate with what I truly valued. The realization was daunting: I was succeeding on the outside but floundering on the inside. Recognizing this, I made the bold decision to leave a lucrative role and career to focus on aligning my professional life with my personal values. This wasn't merely a job change; it was a profound shift in perspective.

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The Toll of Misalignment

Staying in a role that conflicts with one's values can lead to more than just job dissatisfaction; it can cause mental and physical health issues, reduce one's professional efficacy, and even impede personal relationships. For women, especially those in leadership positions, the pressure to maintain the status quo can be overwhelming, often exacerbating feelings of isolation and stress.

For female leaders, not addressing career stagnation can result in chronic stress, burnout, and a decline in quality of life. The longer the misalignment persists, the more severe the toll on one's personal and professional life. It's not uncommon for this to lead to diminished confidence, which in turn affects decision-making and leadership effectiveness.

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Empowering Change: Strategies for Unsticking Your Career and Life

For women facing similar challenges, the path forward involves introspection, strategy, and resilience. Here’s how you can start:

1. Identify Your Core Values:

Begin by deeply reflecting on what truly matters to you. Reflect on your non-negotiables in life and work. This foundation helps you build a career that brings both success and fulfillment. So, if family is a top priority, seek roles that offer flexibility or telecommuting to balance your work-life effectively.

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2. Seek Alignment:

Assess how well your current role and organization's culture align with your values. If there's a significant gap, it may be time to consider transitioning to a role or employer that mirrors your ethics and goals more closely. For example, if you value social responsibility, look for companies with strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

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3. Expand Your Skills:

Address feelings of stagnation by pursuing new knowledge and skills. This can rejuvenate your interest in your career and open doors to new opportunities that resonate more deeply with your values. So, take a course on digital marketing to better understand a field that's becoming essential across industries, opening more career paths.

4. Build a Support Network:

Connect with mentors, join professional groups, or form peer networks. These relationships can provide support, advice, and open doors to new opportunities. You could join industry-specific LinkedIn groups or local professional clubs to network and gain insights into different career paths.

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5. Embrace Change as Opportunity:

Adopt the mindset of "I either succeed or learn, but never fail." This approach helps you see change as a chance to grow and realign your career with your true self. An example of this would be to view a company restructuring not as a threat but as a chance to seek new roles that better fit your skills and passions.

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6. Take Decisive Action:

It's essential to move from contemplation to action. Whether it's seeking a new job, starting a consultation practice, or simply engaging in a meaningful project, take steps that move you toward your goals. So, if you're interested in a more fulfilling role, start by updating your CV and reaching out to contacts in your desired industry.

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7. Maintain Work-Life Harmony:

Ensure your professional endeavors do not overshadow other aspects of your life. Achieving a balance is crucial for long-term happiness and effectiveness. You can start by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time to ensure you have space to recharge and enjoy personal interests.

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Conclusion: Writing your own success story

Feeling stuck in your career or life is an invitation to reevaluate and recalibrate. It's an opportunity to align your professional path with your deepest convictions and values. By taking proactive steps, you can turn a period of stagnation into a catalyst for profound personal and professional growth.

Remember, uncertainty is inevitable, but so is your ability to overcome it. Take a deep breath, embrace the unknown, and step into your own bold adventure. You might just find yourself achieving more than you ever imagined.

???? I'm Paula de Keijzer, your Holistic Leadership Coach.

?? With my holistic approach to leadership, I empower female senior executives in shaping a career that sparks a life rich in purpose, fulfillment, and lasting legacy that resonates both professionally and personally.

I've had the pleasure of working with individuals and teams for the last 30 years, guiding them towards their full potential, and achieving holistic success. My diverse experience span across living and working in 12 countries over 4 continents, exposing me to a many different cultures and working environments. This rich tapestry of global experience has equipped me with unique insights and strategies, which I am excited to share with you. Now, it's your turn to embark on a transformative journey with me

Ready to start your journey? Connect with me, and let's embark on this path to purposeful and fulfilling leadership. ?

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