You know how it feels to be stuck in a job that doesn’t fit you anymore.
So you decide to leave.
You dust off your CV, update your Linkedin profile, and make a list of people to network with. You’re gonna get out of there…
A few weeks later, you’ve spoken to some recruiters, had a few virtual lattes, but you’ve not found any opportunities. It seems no one is hiring at the moment.
Well that’s not exactly true. Some firms are hiring, but the pay is lower than your current salary, the hours aren’t as flexible, and the people aren’t as fun.
So you decide you’re better off staying where you are.
Sure, you’re not happy at work. You don’t like the new boss and your workload is unmanageable. But it’s safe and secure. You’ve got good pay, flexible hours, and a cracking team of colleagues who make you laugh.
So, you put the CV away and convince yourself that this job is the best you can get.
And just like that – boom 💥 you’ve had a careelapse.
What is a careelapse?
At first it feels good. You’re relieved that you don’t have to meet any more recruiters. No more virtual lattes. You feel safe in your familiar job with your trusted colleagues.
But after a while, an uncomfortable feeling starts gnawing away at you:
You’ve failed to get a new job.
You’ve failed yourself.
You’re a failure.
The careelapse has crushed your self esteem.
Any confidence you had about getting a new job has gone.
Not only are you a failure, but you’ve lost hope that you’ll ever get out of the situation you’re in.
You’re stuck.
And miserable.
************
Now, the good thing is, careers are not linear. Your career path can go up, down, sideways, whichever way you like.
A careelapse can be temporary.
It doesn’t have to be the end of your career.
If you’ve found yourself stuck (again) in a job you don’t like, you don’t have to stay there forever.
And sometimes careelapses are necessary.
Going backwards might teach you a painful but important lesson you can’t move forward without.
No matter how many careelapses you have in your life, recovery is possible.
You can get back on track.
So, what’s your next move?
Not Sure What to Do Next? Here’s How to Get Clarity
If you’re reading this and thinking: “I know something needs to change – but I don’t know what”
That’s completely normal.
Most people don’t struggle because they lack motivation – they struggle because they don’t have a clear process to follow.
That’s exactly what our Be Your Own Career Coach course is designed to give you.
Inside, we guide you step-by-step through:
- Understanding what you actually want from work
- Generating and exploring career ideas
- Making confident, realistic decisions
- Creating a plan that works for your life
So you’re not just thinking about change… You’re actively moving towards it.
Explore the Be Your Own Career Coach course
Not ready for a course? Download our free Career Change toolkit – 10 practical guides to help you take your next step.