Your Soul-Crushing Job Isn’t a Prison Sentence. Here’s an Escape Story
“James” had what many would call “the dream job.” An enviable title, a great salary, and a clear trajectory on the career fast track in tech.
But every Sunday night felt like a countdown to misery.
By Monday morning, James would go through the motions—disconnected, burned out, and trapped in work that no longer aligned with who he was.
Success had become his trap.
But a career that suffocates your soul isn’t a success story. It’s more likely self-destruction in slow motion.
Unlocking the Golden Handcuffs
That’s where coaching came in.
James’s role wasn’t “wrong,” but it was completely misaligned with what truly mattered to him.
Together, we started reframing his definition of success. We worked to rediscover what mattered most—creativity, autonomy, and making a real impact.
Taking a Strengths Inventory
James rediscovered skills and strengths he’d long dismissed, like his knack for solving ambiguous problems.
Here’s how taking an inventory of strengths works:
➜ Step 1: Break your career into chapters. What were the projects or roles that energised you the most?
➜ Step 2: Identify your transferable skills. What have you built along the way that you can carry forward?
➜ Step 3: Align with your values. Which values do you need to honour in your next career chapter?
For James, one of the pivotal moments came when he realised his ability to solve ambiguous problems wasn’t just a skill—it was the thread connecting his best career stories.
Once he saw this, clarity became the spark he needed.
Building Momentum Toward a Career Redesign
With clarity in place, we focused on action.
James set small, intentional goals—curious coffee chats, speculative applications—and began testing new waters. Slowly but surely, he built momentum toward a purposeful career redesign.
The Result: A Purposeful Career, Realigned
Today, James is the founder of a thriving consultancy, helping creative startups scale their big ideas sustainably.
He’s never worked harder—but he’s never felt lighter.
In his words:
“I was terrified of stepping away from what I thought was ‘success.’ Now, I feel proud of the choices I’ve made and the impact I’m having. I feel alive again.”
Take a Moment to Reflect
- Is your career misaligned with what matters most to you?
- What’s one small step you can take today to realign?
- What strengths are you undervaluing?
If you were to write the next chapter of your career, what would it be about?
What would it take to make it energising and fulfilling?
If you’re ready to realign your career with what truly matters—or step into purposeful leadership—coaching might just be the spark you need to reignite energy for your next chapter.
