“Should I stay or should I go?” – it’s not just a catchy tune from The Clash, but also a question that I often get asked by the young people I work with. But the truth is, this is a question most of us wrestle with at some point in our working life.
At some stage in our careers, we all feel a bit wobbly about whether the job, role or even the career path we’re on is right for us. For those in the early in their career, these doubts can feel especially overwhelming.
For many young people, the pressure to get it right early on can be intense. Those doubts—what I like to call ‘niggly thoughts’—can be magnified by various factors: not knowing your strengths, uncertainty about the right role, fear of trying a new job, making a wrong move, and being seen by future employers as a non-committer. On top of that, financial pressures, family expectations, and the fear of disappointing loved ones add even more weight to an already heavy decision.
So, how do you navigate these feelings?
In this post, I’ll guide you through strategies to help you manage career doubts and find clarity. If you’ve ever wondered, “Did I make the right choice? Is this what I really want to do with my life?” – you’re not alone and you’re in the right place. This blog is here to offer insight and practical steps to help you gain confidence and direction as you move forward in your career.
It’s Completely Normal to Feel This Way
Firstly, it’s important to recognise that feeling uncertain about your career path is normal – and incredibly common. The average person will spend one-third of their life at work. That’s a staggering amount of time, so it’s only natural to want a job that feels rewarding and fulfilling. Inevitably we may also feel a little bit restless and question the path we’re on from time to time.
Understanding that these feelings are normal can be comforting. Here’s some recent data to put things into perspective:
- 57% of adults have switched careers (Future Learn, 2023).
- Personal development, job satisfaction and higher pay are the main reasons for wanting to make a switch (Future Learn, 2023).
- 1 in 3 adults say they want to change jobs (Learning and Work Institute, 2023).
- CIPD (2023) data shows that 2 million people in the UK changed careers across the whole of 2023 and according to a UK YouGov poll, only 17% of British workers love their job.
- And, according to Michael Page, the most common age to make a career change is 31.
There’s immense pressure, especially early in your career, to have everything figured out. But don’t worry if you haven’t got it all figured out. A lot of people don’t, and you’re definitely not alone.
It’s natural to compare yourself to friends who seem to have found their niche. But not finding yours yet doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you’ve tried something that wasn’t the right fit. Take time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and think about which parts of the good you’d like to carry into your next role.
Penn LPS (2023) says that when employees are satisfied, they feel more confident in their abilities and maintain a positive outlook. Happy employees also tend to experience better physical and mental wellbeing.
Understanding What You’re Feeling
One of the most challenging parts of early career dissatisfaction is pinpointing exactly what’s wrong. That initial excitement of landing your job can fade, and you may find yourself feeling stuck, but not sure why. If you don’t explore those feelings, they can easily fester and turn into frustration or resentment. Taking the time to talk and work through your thoughts, instead of brushing them aside, is the first step.
Mixed emotions are normal – especially when external pressures come into play. Family expectations, financial stability, or the fear of how a job change might look on your CV can all weigh heavily on your mind. A lot of people feel pressure to stay in their first job because it feels like the “responsible” thing to do. But sometimes, this leads to feeling trapped.
By taking the time to reflect on what you’re truly feeling, you can begin to make decisions that are aligned with your values and long-term goals.
Once You Know How You Feel, What Should You Do?
Once you’ve identified what’s causing your dissatisfaction, it’s time to dig deeper and take action. Here are a few strategies to think about:
- Take a StrengthFinder Test – One great way to start is by conducting a self-assessment, like taking the StrengthsFinder test. This tool can help you understand where your natural talents lie and how you can use them to find more satisfaction in your work.
The test focuses on the positives of what you’re good at and helps you feel confident about your strengths and the roles that you will enjoy. I frequently recommend this to my clients, and many find it to be an eye-opening and very constructive experience.
- Research your options – Is there a way to tweak your current role to better suit your strengths and interests? Could a lateral move within your company offer new challenges or opportunities? Sometimes, a small shift can make a big difference.
- Talk to others in your network – Conversations with trusted colleagues or mentors can offer perspective. They might have faced similar struggles and be able to share how they navigated through them.
- Explore new opportunities: If you’ve decided that your current role or industry isn’t for you, start exploring what’s next. Research industries that align with your values and strengths, attend networking events or even consider taking a course in a new field.
- Seek coaching – A coach can help you sort through your thoughts, offer valuable insights, and guide you in mapping out a path forward. I’ve worked with many individuals in similar situations, helping them gain clarity on their needs and identify the practical steps they can take to move forward confidently. Head to my website to find out more or contact me directly (david@edlinconsulting.co.uk)
Taking these steps doesn’t mean you have to jump ship immediately. It’s about gaining clarity and creating a roadmap to help you make informed decisions.
Navigating early career dissatisfaction can be tough, but remember that it’s an opportunity for growth. The discomfort you feel is a sign that something needs to change – whether it’s a small tweak to your current role or a complete shift to a new career. By understanding what’s causing your dissatisfaction and taking proactive steps to address it, you can move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
I’m David Webster and I founded Edlin Consulting in 2018 after a successful 35-year career as a lawyer and businessman. I specialise in helping clients with career progression and performance in the insurance and legal sectors and in working with entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders across multiple sectors.
The combination of my methodology with an empathetic approach allows me to quickly build high levels of trust and understanding. I aim for a healthy balance of challenge, support, humour and honesty, and pride myself on being insightful and pragmatic.
Reach out to me (david@edlinconsulting.co.uk) today to discuss how I can support and guide you.
“When I first spoke to David I was treading water career-wise, unsure of which path to take next. Within 6 months I had a new motivation, a new energy, and I had been promoted to management. David’s coaching focused on discovering my strengths and then listening intently to my complicated mess of mixed thoughts before sculpting out a credible plan of action. David has an ability to cut through complexity like a surgeon with a scalpel, together we turned my mess of ideas into a coherent career plan which led to my being promoted.” – William Woodhead, Software Engineering Manager
