Driving or Drifting Your Career

Most of us don’t set out to drift in our careers, but it happens more often than we realize. You might feel like you’re working hard, yet something feels off—progress is slow, frustration is high, and you’re unsure what’s next.

Drifting happens when we let our careers run on autopilot instead of taking charge. Here’s how to identify if you’re drifting—and what to do about it.

Signs You’re Drifting in Your Career

1. You’re Reacting, Not Planning Are you making career moves only when you’re frustrated, undervalued, or let go? Reactive decisions often keep you stuck in the same patterns.
2. You Feel Stagnant If you’re not growing in your current role—no promotions, no new challenges—you could be drifting. Career growth requires intentional steps forward.
3. You Lack Clear Goals Do you know where you want to be in 1, 5, or 10 years? Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose direction.
4. You’re Watching Others Pass You By If you’ve ever wondered, “How did they get there?” while feeling stuck, chances are you’ve been drifting.
5. You’re Staying for the Wrong Reasons If you tell yourself, “I can’t leave because of my team,” or, “Maybe next year will be different,” you might be prolonging a situation that doesn’t serve you.

How to Take Back Control

If you’re drifting, it’s time to reset. Here’s how:

• Set Clear Goals: What do you want in the next 1, 5, or 10 years? Define your North Star.
• Assess Your Current Role: Are you growing, or are you stagnant? Be honest about whether your current environment supports your aspirations.
• Choose Your Focus: Is it time to level up your skills, or is it time to move on? Decide between leadership development or job hunting.
• Act Intentionally: Stop waiting for opportunities to come to you. Make a plan and take proactive steps toward your goals.

Drifting doesn’t just slow your career—it costs you opportunities, happiness, and energy. The good news? You can stop drifting today.

Take control of your trajectory.

Start by asking yourself: Am I driving my career, or am I letting it drift?

Need Help Taking the Next Step?

I offer free 45-minute strategy coaching sessions to help women in tech stop drifting and start thriving. Let’s figure out what’s next for you.

Book a call with me here

Happy Leading

xToni