Does Your Job Deserve You?

In a recent post, I shared a story about being on a flight when a friend sent me a screenshot of my job...posted on LinkedIn.

Many of you reached out, asking, "Was that real?"

Well...yes, it was. And while the sting of that moment was undeniable, it became a turning point in my life.

As I sat there, the events of my career played back like a film in Fast-Forward—my personal movie trailer of exciting opportunities, professional advancement, getting my seat at the table, and enticing 'what's next' milestone conversations.

"Who would ever say No to that?"

Then came the conflict:

• The random offers of "Hey, I can take that one on."
• The unsolicited "Just let me know if you need any help."
• The subtle reassignment of projects I'd worked hard to breathe life into.

And then it hit me: I wasn't seen as difficult, too ambitious, or angry. I'd have been fine with any of those badges and proud to have been bold enough to earn every one of them.

Worse—it was a set-up and I was being portrayed as incapable.

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."—Maya Angelou

As the mix of shock and anger wore off, I sat face-to-face with the truth: this job hadn't been serving me for a while.

I had ignored the signs—or maybe, I didn't want to admit to myself that they were there for any number of reasons or excuses.

But now, there was no denying it.

The role that had once been a source of pride, inspiration, and opportunity had become a burden—a daily grind that drained my energy, fed my self-doubt, and consumed far too many of my thoughts and conversations with loved ones.

Most importantly, it stood between me and the career and life I dreamed of and deserved. I wasn't stuck—I never was. I had the power to rewrite my story and create a better future I owed myself.

When you realize a job no longer serves you, it's a moment of clarity mixed with fear.

Do you stay and try to reshape it into something meaningful, stay and fight—prove your worth and challenge the system that undervalued you?

Or do you walk away, reclaiming the energy and focus you've poured into a role that no longer aligns with your purpose—ensuring your departure reverberates as a missed opportunity—a stark lesson in wasted talent?

I chose to focus on myself and a future that empowers, excites, and inspires me to my very core.

Here's how to start your plan:

1. Check Your Gut—and Your Facts:

• Does this role align with your values, goals, and future aspirations?
• What signs of misalignment are showing up—lack of recognition, a toxic culture, or stalled professional growth?

2. Gather the Data:

• Document your contributions: performance reviews, metrics, accolades, and feedback.
• Look for patterns—how has your work been received (or overlooked)?

3. Get Clear on Your Goals:

• What do you want next? Growth? Leadership? Peace of mind? Or to wake up to something completely different?
• Does staying or leaving bring you closer to your vision of what being and having more looks like?
• Does staying or leaving align with what matters most to you, your life, your health, and your well-being?

"If you're always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."—Maya Angelou

Realizing a job no longer serves you isn't a sign of failure—it's a sign of personal growth.

It's your chance to take a deep breath, drop your shoulders, and look ahead with hope and excitement. It's a time to reclaim your energy, realign with your purpose and passion, and create a future that reflects your ambition and your worth.

Your career is yours to shape.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Whether you choose to stay or to leave, your power lies in recognizing your value, acting with intention, having faith in yourself, and summoning the courage to take the next step forward.

Have you ever realized your job was no longer right for you? How did you decide what to do next?

Know someone who needs to hear this? Tag a friend or coworker in the comments and share this newsletter with anyone who might find it helpful. I appreciate your help in amplifying the message and sharing these insights more broadly.

Trust yourself. You've got this. Until next week—Michelle