Not satisfied in your work and not sure what to do about it?

More and more people feel stuck in their careers. It’s a mix of small, missing pieces that add up to a sense of “Why am I even doing this?” I’ve worked with clients who’ve found themselves in this place, and there are usually five things they’re missing – even if it’s just two of them, that’s often enough to make anyone feel trapped.

Recognition and relevance

This isn’t about needing applause every day, but when people feel overlooked or their work goes unrecognised, they start wondering if what they’re doing even matters. It’s simple: everyone wants to feel valued. When we’re acknowledged, even in small ways, we get a reminder that our role has purpose and that we’re contributing something worth noticing.

Only 17% of UK employees report that they love their job, suggesting that many might lack the recognition or sense of relevance they need to feel fulfilled in their roles. (YouGov, 2024)

Making an impact

Most people want to feel like they’re making a difference. It doesn’t have to be changing the world, but we need to know that our work has an effect, whether it’s helping a project succeed, solving a problem, or adding something real to the company. If that’s missing, it’s easy to feel like you’re just going through the motions.

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 86% of workers say that a sense of purpose is very or somewhat important to their job satisfaction. This highlights how crucial making an impact is to feeling engaged in your work.

Autonomy

There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling like you have no say in your own work. Autonomy means trust. It’s about having some space to make decisions, to try things your way, and to show what you’re capable of. When that’s stripped away, work can quickly feel like a place where you’re just following orders.

Research by the CIPD in 2024 shows that employees with higher levels of autonomy report better job satisfaction and well-being overall, confirming that freedom in your role directly impacts fulfillment.

Feeling good at what you do

Most people are driven by the feeling that they’re skilled and competent. When we feel like we’re doing something we’re good at, we’re more likely to enjoy it. But if the role doesn’t fit our skills or we’re in over our heads, self-doubt creeps in, and motivation plummets.

Interestingly, men in the UK report 10% higher job satisfaction than women, which could be linked to differences in recognition and opportunities for feeling competent and valued. (StandOut CV, 2024)

Learning skills you enjoy

If your job isn’t helping you develop in ways that feel meaningful, it can be hard to stay engaged. When people are stuck in roles that don’t let them explore or use skills they care about, burnout happens fast. Enjoying what you’re learning keeps work interesting and keeps you growing.

According to the 2024 “What Workers Want” Survey, 50% of employees without flexible work options are considering a job change, which underscores the need for opportunities that let people explore skills they genuinely enjoy. 

What can you do?

Identify your purpose

Figure out what truly drives you. This doesn’t mean solving life’s big questions, but it’s worth thinking about what’s meaningful to you and how you can bring a little of that into your role.

Change what you can

Look at what’s within your control in your current job. Are there small adjustments, like taking on different responsibilities or connecting more with your team, that could improve your day-to-day experience?

Get clear on what you enjoy

Ask yourself where you’re holding back or self-censoring. What activities do you naturally enjoy that you aren’t doing enough of? This can give you clues about where you’d find more satisfaction.

Learn what you’re good at

Being aware of your strengths can help you realign with tasks or projects that actually let you shine. This clarity can be the first step toward finding more fulfillment.

How to cope while you’re figuring it out

Remind yourself it’s not forever

If you keep taking small actions, this feeling of being stuck is temporary. Progress, even in tiny steps, is still progress.

Think about where you get self-worth  

Are you relying solely on work to feel good about yourself? This is common, but it can be a slippery slope. When career satisfaction wavers, it’s easy to take it as a personal failing. Start exploring other sources of fulfillment – maybe through hobbies, relationships, or community involvement. Building up these other areas can give you a broader sense of purpose and a stronger foundation of self-worth.

Do things outside of work that enrich you  

Engaging in activities outside of work that genuinely interest or challenge you can be a powerful way to recharge. Whether it’s learning something new, joining a group, or just taking time for yourself, these moments add balance. By diversifying where you find joy and success, you might discover a renewed sense of resilience that makes career struggles feel less overwhelming.

Be compassionate with yourself  

Transitioning from a feeling of career “stuckness” isn’t always a quick fix. It’s essential to approach this process with patience and compassion. Allow yourself to feel frustrated but remind yourself that it’s part of the journey. Celebrate small wins and recognise the effort you’re putting in to make changes, even if they don’t bring instant results. Being kind to yourself along the way can help you stay grounded and motivated.