5 Ways to UnStuck Yourself from an UnHappy Career

“I am done with this c*ap.”
This is a familiar statement I get from friends and clients who are unhappy with their careers, regardless of their position. They are done—and the only thing that keeps them there is the money because you know, “the bills.” I get it. Been there than that. But…

I’d Rather Pay my Doctor than Lose My Job
I remember a specific colleague tell me she will be out for a while. I asked her why. She said our job makes her sick as our leaders are all money-driven even if it hurts clients—she has to take pills in order for her to even function. I told her, “I totally understand you, my friend, that’s why I am looking for other opportunities. This is not worth our sanity. Would you consider looking for another opportunity? She said, “I need my job or else I will lose insurance.”

I responded, “What’s the use of making a lot of money only to use that money to pay for your medical bills?” She said, “I know. But, I am stuck. It is what it is.”

Do you agree that one of the worst feelings to have is being stuck in a position or even in a mindset that you just have to accept being miserable? So, instead of feeling helpless, how about taking back your power to control your life?

5 R’s of Getting Yourself Unstuck:

1. Reflect: What are the values that are important for you? What are things that make you feel miserable? What do people say you’re great at? What do you enjoy doing? What are the careers that intersect the above-mentioned as well as the availability of that career in your area or where you want to live in the future?

2. Reassess: Research about the top 5 career options you identified and if possible, talk to people who are in the same career, so you can ask for advice or input. Cross off all of it. Focus on the last one you crossed off or the you can’t cross off at all.

3. Remake: Write down or draw a path to make it to your new career. If the path is close to impossible (e.g., time constraint, money, etc.), create alternative paths. If you think the path leads you to a dead-end, go back to your list and choose another career on the list to work on.

4. Reinvent: Are you missing training, experience, credibility, and connections? Then, this is the perfect time to get additional education; intern, volunteer, or find related work to gain experience; and/or build the connections who can help enhance your credibility in this new career. If possible, find a mentor. NPR advices that securing a mentor can be a potent catalyst for professional development (Krbechek & Tagle, 2022).

5. Reply: Apply to open job postings within your new career with extra enthusiasm but continue networking. Referral jobs are the best!

Oops, I Did It Too!
Going back to my friend’s story, I remember calling her saying I accepted another position in a local college where 1) my values align with my role better 2) my graduate education will be funded 3) I can help students navigate school and career options, 4) and where people believe my skills will make an impact.

We kept in touch, and after one year of sharing her my then unofficial Unstuck Me Process and how my career change has replaced my stress with a sense of purpose, I received a call from her and remembered her saying, “I did it! I own my hours now, make twice what we made, and I feel kinder to myself and to others around me. Sometimes, taking a big risk is what we need to transition from stuck to thriving.”

What made the difference? COURAGE + STRATEGIC PROCESS.

Krbechek, A. & Tagle, A., 2022 & Tagle (2022, December 21). How to find a mentor and make it work. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2019/10/25/773158390/how-to-find-a-mentor-and-make-it-work.

Maria Soriano, M.E.d., SHRM-CP is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and advocate for courageous living. As the CEO & Founder of Courage Creatives, she is dedicated to helping people break through fear, find clarity, and take bold steps toward personal and professional growth. Within this brand, Maria also serves as a practical success and wellness coach and a sought-after host/emcee for community and corporate events, bringing energy, insight, and authenticity to every space she enters.

To compliment her creative side, Maria is a SHRM-certified HR pro and career matchmaker who started a white-glove boutique talent agency, GoodHire Recruitment, where she and her team connect organizations with top-tier talent and help people find purpose-driven careers.

With over a decade of experience in Higher Education, Maria also currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, shaping the next generation of educators and leaders. She extends her passion for storytelling as the host and producer of the Courageously Speaking Podcast, where she dives into real, unfiltered conversations on resilience, leadership, and personal transformation.

Beyond her professional roles, Maria is a singer-songwriter, using music as a powerful tool for inspiration and connection. She sometimes collaborates with her musician husband, blending their love for music into something deeply personal and uplifting.

At the heart of everything she does, Maria champions courage—helping others embrace uncertainty, take risks, and navigate challenges with confidence and authenticity.

Whether through coaching, teaching, speaking, or performing, Maria empowers people to step into their boldest, most fulfilled selves.

Need a hand navigating your own Unstuck Me journey? Schedule your free 30-minute complimentary consultation with Courage Creatives founder, Maria Soriano, M.Ed., SHRM-CP.