Ask AdaMarie: How do I get unstuck without making a rash decision?
"Hi, AdaMarie! I’ve been feeling really stuck in my career lately. I like some parts of my job, but overall I’m not sure I’m on the right track — or if I’ve stopped growing. I keep going in circles trying to figure out what’s next, but I just end up more confused. How do I get unstuck without making a rash decision?"
Dear Feeling Stalled,
First, let’s take a pause together. Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re broken, behind, or failing; it means you’re human. Sometimes, these “paused” moments in our careers are actually fertile ground for future growth and positive change.
1. Step Back and Zoom Out
Instead of hyper-focusing on your current frustrations, view your entire career arc.
Try asking yourself:
Where have I been — what experiences, projects, and skills have I gained so far?
What parts of my work do I enjoy most right now?
Where do I feel drained, and where do I light up?
What kind of legacy or impact would I like to create five or ten years from now?
2. Clarify Your Next Destination
Even if it feels distant or broad, give yourself permission to dream:
Do you imagine yourself in a different industry, role, or environment?
Are you craving more creativity, connection, stability, or challenge?
Can you describe the kind of team or culture you’d love to be part of?
Remember: Your next destination doesn’t have to be a specific job. It can be something like “more leadership responsibility,” “creative problem-solving,” or “work with purpose-driven companies.”
3. Spot the Bridge — What’s the Missing Piece?
Look at the gap between where you are and where you want to go, then ask:
What skill, experience, or relationship would move me just one step closer?
Is it a technical certification, a management challenge, or a conversation with someone inspiring?
Which achievements or growth areas excite me the most — and which feel necessary but daunting?
4. Take Low-Risk Action
You don’t have to leap blindly or overhaul your life. Instead, identify one intentional experiment:
Learn: Enroll in a relevant online course or workshop.
Volunteer: Raise your hand for a cross-functional project at work, or join a professional association.
Connect: Reach out for an informational interview with someone whose path intrigues you.
Reflect: Journal about what energizes you, or map your ideal work week.
Remember, clarity comes through action, not by overthinking. Even a small move can break the inertia.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Progress isn’t always linear. If you try something and it’s not the answer, that’s valuable data, not failure. The most adaptable and successful people are those who treat career stalls as a signal to pivot, not panic.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to try one new thing, and see what doors it opens.
You’ve already taken a powerful first step by reflecting and reaching out. Keep going. Your career is a journey — and even when the road feels uncertain, you are always allowed to choose your next direction.
You’ve got this.
