Have you ever achieved exactly what you wanted…
Only to realise it wasn’t what you needed?
It’s a story I hear often.
We strive for the big promotion, the high-paying role, the shiny opportunity—and when we finally get it, it doesn’t feel like we imagined. Sometimes, we have to walk through the wrong door to realise what we truly need.
Let’s explore why that happens and how you can recalibrate your career to feel aligned and purposeful.
The Problem with Convenient Doors
Imagine two doors in front of you.
One looks safe and predictable — the door everyone says is the “right” choice. It’s convenient, comfortable, and logical, so we take it.
The other door is bold and bright. It represents possibility, but also risk. The pressure to stick with “safe” pulls us back, even when a little voice whispers that it might not feel right.
Sometimes, we spend decades walking through doors that are most convenient or expected, but not most aligned. These choices may look like success from the outside, but they come with a quiet cost—a sense of disconnection that grows louder over time.
I’ve worked with professionals who built entire careers by choosing convenience. Promotions within the same company or sector, roles that seemed logical but uninspiring, decisions made for security over purpose.
Eventually, they reach a moment of undeniable clarity. Despite the outward success, something feels “off”.
They followed the “shoulds”, but not their own calling.
And now they feel stuck in work that’s wrong and can’t stand the thought that’s every day until retirement.
The Big Career-Life Disconnect
This moment of disconnection often surfaces in different ways:
- A successful leader who feels suffocated by the weight of expectations.
- A professional at the top of their game, wondering why they feel so disengaged.
- A high-achiever who realises the work they once enjoyed no longer reflects their values.
Misalignment doesn’t mean you’ve failed. But it is a signpost you can’t afford to ignore.
Sometimes, the career you’re in just isn’t designed for the life you wish you were living – or not any more. Recognising that is the first step to redesigning it.
Doors That Teach Us Lessons
Every door we walk through, whether right or wrong, teaches us something.
- What drains us.
- What energises us.
- What drives us to show up.
- What we need from our career when we do.
Even the wrong doors provide wisdom.
I worked with a client (let’s call him “Steve”) who had reached a “safe” senior role within the company. The perks were excellent, the title impressive. But deep down, he felt stuck. Over time, the disconnect became undeniable.
We spent weeks exploring what energised him, what depleted him and what he truly valued. Eventually, Steve realised he wanted to move into a different field entirely—one that felt bold and risky but also lit him up in a way he hadn’t experienced in years. He felt alive and aligned just making the redesign plans!
He left the safe door behind and opened one that aligned with his strengths, values, and purpose. The transformation wasn’t just professional—it was personal too. He told me at the time, career transformation for him, felt like using his professional powers, for good!
Alignment isn’t just a career choice—it’s a life choice.
The Power of Recalibration
So, how do you recalibrate when the doors you’ve chosen don’t feel right after all?
1. Pause and Reflect
→ Are you following what’s convenient or what’s well-aligned with your values?
→ What energises you? What drains you?
→ What do you want and need from your next career chapter?
2. Revisit Your Career Compass
→ Identify your unique strengths.
→ Clarify your values and unpack your purpose.
→ Map them onto career redesign opportunities that excite you
3. Design the Door You Need
→ Sometimes, the door you need isn’t visible yet.
→ Take small steps to explore possibilities—test, learn, and tweak. As often as needed.
Ask Yourself This
If you’re feeling stuck in work that’s wrong, it’s time to pause and ask:
Did I walk through the door I needed—or am I stuck behind one that was convenient at the time?
