Working with women of color as a career confidence coach, I have had many clients share that they want to be fulfilled and their current job is no longer making them happy.
Leaving an unfulfilling job can be a difficult decision to make, but it is important to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Before you can leave a job, you need to come to the realization that you are emotionally connected to your current job. That is hard to handle, especially since we have high hopes that it will all work out.

What are the excuses for not leaving an unfulfilling job?
Let’s talk about what is keeping you stuck at work and how to change it!
Reason #1
You have been at the company for a long time.
I get it, the relationships we form at work can have a big impact on us. We might stay because of that commitment and comfort. Remember, growth does not come from our comfort zones.
From the person that we were when we were hired to who we are today is not the same. You can be thankful for the experience but not in debt to the company.
I don’t want you to also think you need to leave. Make sure not to limit yourself to a role or a position, think bigger.
You don’t need to leave a company if you are starting to feel a disconnect. Start to network with other departments or join committees. Find new ways to engage and open yourself up to new opportunities within the company.
Reason #2
You have been "promised" opportunities.
Have you been promised growth, but haven’t seen any action in return? Take time to assess your situation and the validity of those promises.
Are they provided only behind closed doors? Is there a budget to support it? Does the company usually hire within?
As a Career Confidence Coach, my advice it to never stop building your knowledge and opportunities. Don’t wait out for someone to hold true to their word, you need to actively be the best you at all times. Take some time to reflect on your career journey and where you see yourself in the future with a 21-Day Career Journal.
Reason #3
You have guilt for leaving.
When we have outgrown a work environment, we can feel guilty about leaving the team, your boss, your projects behind.
Remember that this is your career journey. Sometimes we can feel so connected to a company or a team, that we put ourselves on the back burner. You owe it to yourself, to increase your jefa energy and build your career success.
One way to switch this perspective is to think about the opportunities the company can have with a change of dynamics. Everything happens for a reason. Your belief that the company won’t be the same is limiting your belief in the company.
Reason #4
You have lost your confidence.
It happens, we feel stuck, and we start to investigate potential new jobs. Then, we get overwhelmed with the job application process and having to start all over again.
Starting the application process with this mindset will show in your resume and cover letter. You need to start to invest in your career confidence and work with someone that will help you with individualized meetings and learn how to vocalize your worth with confidence.
How do you leave an unfulfilling job?
Here are some steps you can take to leave your unfulfilling job:
Reflect on your reasons for wanting to leave. Take some time to think about what isn't working for you in your current job. Are you unhappy with the company culture? Do you feel unchallenged or unappreciated? Are you not passionate about the work you're doing? Knowing what you want to change will help you make a plan.
Start looking for other opportunities. Update your resume and start browsing job boards or reaching out to your network to see what other opportunities are available. If you're not sure what you want to do next, consider taking an aptitude test or talking to a career coach.
Make a plan for your exit. Once you've secured another job or have a clear plan for what you want to do next, it's time to make your exit plan. Give your employer appropriate notice and make sure that you're leaving on good terms. If you're comfortable doing so, consider giving feedback on why you're leaving and what could be improved.
Take care of yourself. Leaving a job can be stressful, so make sure you're taking care of yourself during the transition. Lean on your support system, practice self-care, and remind yourself that you're making a positive change for your future.
Remember, leaving an unfulfilling job is not a failure. It's an opportunity to prioritize your happiness and find a job that aligns with your values and goals.
This career development toolkit can be used to help you understand your purpose-driven career goals, reflect on your journey, and assess your future career planning with actionable goals.
By working through different activities and intentional reflection, you will start to become more career confident.
Live your worth,
Cindy Alvarez
Career Confidence Coach
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