As a Career Change Coach, one of the most common challenges I hear from clients is this:
“I’m really want to leave my job, but I can’t do it just yet.”
Maybe the timing isn’t right financially. Maybe you’re balancing caregiving responsibilities. Or maybe you're still figuring out what your next move looks like. Regardless of the reason, staying in a role you’ve mentally outgrown can be exhausting — especially when you're craving change.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just “grin and bear it.” There are practical, mindset-shifting strategies that can help make your current job more manageable (and even meaningful) while you prepare for what's next. Some of these I contributed towards an article on this very topic for The Guardian earlier this month.
Below are nine further ways to make your current job more bearable as you plan your future career change:
Even if the role no longer excites you as a whole, there are likely tasks or projects that still bring you some sense of satisfaction. Maybe it’s solving a problem, mentoring someone, particular projects, or collaborating with a particular colleague, different department, or specific clients. Identify those moments — and maximise them when possible. You could also discuss the option of a departmental or client secondment, as a way to facilitate a short-term change of scene.
Ask yourself: What is this job allowing me to have or build right now?
That could be stability, income (for holidays and other life perks), savings, connections, industry experience, flexibility, or a specific skill set. When you're feeling stuck in a job you hate, reframing the role as a stepping stone — rather than a trap — can create a sense of purpose and control.
Why did you take this role in the first place? What goal was it helping you move toward? Whether it was to learn something, pay off debt, or gain industry experience, reconnecting with that original purpose can help you stay focused while you work toward your future career transition.
Start keeping a simple record of the value you’re adding — even if it’s small. That might include project outcomes, new efficiencies you introduced, or positive feedback. Not only does this help you see the impact you’re still making, it also becomes essential material for your CV and interviews when it’s time to move on.
Depending on what you want to do next, can you volunteer for a new initiative, cross-functional project, or even shadow a colleague in another department that relates to where you want to go next? Continuous learning (even in an imperfect job) helps you stay engaged — and build new skills you can carry into your next role. Attend networking events and talks, complete relevant courses and training where possible in order to up-skill in relevant areas.
Tip: Identify transferable skills you’re developing, such as communication, leadership, or systems thinking — all of which are valuable in any career transition.
If parts of your workload are unnecessarily draining, ask yourself: Can this be delegated, streamlined, or dropped altogether? If you’re overextended, conserving energy can free up mental space for exploring your next move — and showing up more effectively in the areas that do matter.
Sometimes, it’s not the work — it’s the disconnection. Investing in professional relationships, mentorships, or even peer support networks can create a sense of community and motivation, even if the job itself feels uninspiring. These relationships may be helpful for the future, too.
Your career is only one part of your life. When you’re in a transition season, it becomes even more important to cultivate hobbies, interests, relationships, and wellness routines outside of work. These are the things that protect your energy and help you feel like “yourself” again.
Try taking one minute each day to write down three positive things that happened at work — even if they’re tiny. A helpful colleague. A productive meeting. A moment of clarity. This simple practice can shift your mindset and build resilience while you prepare for your next chapter.
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🧭 Final Thought: This Job Is Not Your Forever — It’s a Bridge
When you're stuck in a job that no longer fits, it’s easy to feel powerless. But the truth is: every job — even the wrong ones — can serve a purpose. With the right mindset and strategy, you can use this time to clarify your goals, build momentum, and move toward a career that feels aligned and fulfilling.
Your current role is part of your journey — not the end of your story.
💬 Ready to Explore What’s Next?
If you're feeling stuck and unsure how to start planning your next career move, you don’t have to do it alone. As an accredited Career Change Coach, I help professionals decide what they want next and help them create a clear path forward — without burning out in the process.
Contact me now to book an Introductory Session to discuss how we can work together on your career change.
Alice coaches those who want to change career but don’t know what they want to do instead. She offers Career Coaching designed to help career-changers gain a clear vision of what career is right for them, and how to achieve it. She is also an accredited Coach Supervisor, and host of The Career Change Diaries podcast.
