What to Do When the Daily Grind Has You in a Rut?
Lea Stabler
Coaching mid level IT/Operations project management & sales executives avoid the boiled frog syndrome, help them to jump out of the pot & into a company and role where they feel energised, excited, valued, & enthusiastic
"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." – Helen Keller
Have you ever loved your job, poured your energy into it without hesitation, only to wake up one day and realize the thrill is gone? It happens to the best of us. Here’s why so many professionals stay stuck in roles that no longer fit—and how to break free.
Steve’s story is a case in point. He started as a janitor and climbed the corporate ladder to run operations for not one but two companies. By all accounts, he was a success. Yet when Steve came to me, he wasn’t excited—he was terrified.
The fear wasn’t about doing his job. It came from feeling unfulfilled and dreading the next day. Steve realized his career playbook no longer worked. He was stuck in a role that didn’t fit him anymore, unsure of where to turn next.
I’ve been there too. I spent a decade in a role that no longer energized me. I rationalized staying because no other job seemed exciting, and I had responsibilities. But the real issue? I didn’t know how to find something better suited for me.
The Trap of Resume-First Job Hunting
When your job no longer fits, the first instinct is to look for another one. But here’s the trap: resumes only tell the story of where you’ve been—not where you should go. Searching based on your resume often leads you back to jobs like the one you want to leave.
Instead, look in the mirror. Tune into what excites or energizes you. Trust your body—it provides clear signals when something aligns with your values and interests. Use this awareness to guide your job search, whether you're browsing postings or having conversations about opportunities.
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Conversations: The Key to Unlocking New Possibilities
The best way to find where you fit is by talking to people—not by asking, “Do you have a job for me?” but by learning about their work, their journey, and their industry. Be curious. This will lead to new possibilities.
Ask questions like:
These conversations spark ideas, uncover hidden possibilities, and help you identify roles and environments where you thrive.
Ready to Find Where You Fit?
Your career doesn’t have to feel like a grind. If you’re ready to explore roles that energize and excite you, book a free call with me (Free Career Satisfaction Consultation). Let’s take the first step toward a job you’ll love.
Free Career Satisfaction Consultation. Let’s take the first step toward a job you’ll love.
Questions for Those Who AREN’T In Love With Their Job:
Coaching mid level IT/Operations project management & sales executives avoid the boiled frog syndrome, help them to jump out of the pot & into a company and role where they feel energised, excited, valued, & enthusiastic
4 周So do you keep digging in that proverbial rut or do you find an alternative. What we do to become effective at our jobs is different from what it takes to find our best fit. This article starts to explore what this could be.