What If It’s Not Burnout—You’re Just in the Wrong Career?

You followed the rules. Built the career. Got the title. But deep down, you wonder, “Is this really it?” If you feel disconnected from your work and unsure of what comes next, this blog will help you recognise the hidden career trap many high-achieving women fall into—and how to start climbing out.

Why doing what’s “sensible” can lead to burnout

Many of us chose our careers not out of passion, but practicality. Something safe. Respectable. That’s what I did, too. I followed the path I was told would lead to success. And for a while, it worked.

But over time, the excitement faded. I felt like I was wearing someone else’s clothes—nothing fit quite right. I stayed because I didn’t know what else I would do.

Eventually, the weight of that misalignment started to show up in my health, my motivation, and my relationships. I was showing up, but not fully present. That’s what long-term misalignment looks like.

The signs you’re in the wrong career (even if it’s successful)

You might feel:

• Anxious on Sunday nights and relieved when meetings are cancelled.
• Constantly drained no matter how much you sleep.
• Trapped between your current reality and an unclear vision of what’s next.
• Frustrated that you’re “wasting potential,” but unsure how to change.

These aren’t just mood swings. They’re signals from your body and soul that something needs attention.

What success really looks like (hint: it’s not on LinkedIn)

You might be praised for your performance. You might even be the one others look up to. But real success is internal.

It’s waking up with purpose. It’s having space to breathe. It’s choosing how to spend your energy.

Success isn’t a title—it’s alignment. And once you’ve had a taste of that, it’s hard to settle for anything less.

You don’t always need a career change—you need clarity

So many women think they need to quit their jobs or change careers entirely. But often, what they really need is clarity.

One client of mine thought she wanted to leave the corporate world. Through our work, she discovered it wasn’t the job—it was the boundaries she hadn’t set, the people-pleasing patterns she hadn’t questioned, and the passions she had suppressed. Once she made those internal shifts, her work felt entirely different.

What to do when you realise you’re in the wrong career

Wondering what you’re supposed to do when that realisation hits? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

Realising you’re in the wrong career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve invested years of energy, education, and identity into it. It can trigger doubt, shame, and the fear that you’ve “wasted time.”

But here’s the truth: realising it is actually a turning point—not a failure.

You don’t have to quit everything overnight. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. What you do need is space to explore what’s not working—and why.

• Pay attention to your body: Where are you feeling drained vs. energised?
• Get curious: Is it the role, the environment, the values, or something deeper?
• Talk it out: Often, just naming your misalignment out loud helps you see it more clearly.

And remember, regret is just a signal. Not that you did something wrong—but that you’re ready for something different.

The wrong career doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve evolved.

Start with this question

Ask yourself: If no one else’s opinion mattered—what would I want?

Let that answer be your starting point.

To explore things further, download the free Career Clarity Roadmap. It will guide you step-by-step to uncover what really matters to you.

And if you’re ready for support, I offer 1:1 coaching to help you navigate this turning point with clarity and confidence. Click here to book a FREE coaching consultation.

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