You’re miserable at work and you know it. You’ve replayed the fantasy of quitting a hundred times. Maybe you’ve scrolled job boards on your lunch break, or whispered to a friend, “One day, I’ll get out.” So why haven’t you changed?

It’s not what you think. Most women—especially high-achievers—stay stuck not because they’re lazy or ungrateful, but because of stubborn, invisible myths that keep them exactly where they are.

Let’s bust the five biggest myths that keep ambitious women trapped in careers they’ve outgrown.

Myth #1: “It’s All About the Money”

Money is the most common reason people give for staying put. “I can’t afford to leave.” “What if I never find another job that pays this well?”
Here’s what I see in the coaching room: money matters, but it’s rarely the real reason. More often, it’s a shield for deeper fears—fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of disappointing others.

A client once told me, “I kept telling myself it was about the mortgage. But when I looked closer, I realized I was terrified of losing my identity as the ‘successful one’ in my family.”

Of course, financial security is important. But if you’re honest, is money the only thing holding you back—or is it safer than admitting you’re scared of what comes next?

Myth #2: “You Just Need More Confidence”

If only you had more confidence, you’d make the leap, right?
This myth is sneaky because it sounds empowering. But confidence isn’t the root problem—clarity and support are.

Most women don’t change careers because they’re waiting to feel ready. But confidence doesn’t come before action; it grows as you take steps, even small ones, toward something new.

Think about it: you’re already competent, resilient, and resourceful in so many areas of your life. What you’re missing isn’t confidence—it’s a clear vision of where you want to go and the right support to get there.

If you’re always tired from trying to “fix” yourself, read Always Tired? It’s Not Just Burnout—It’s Misalignment.

Myth #3: “The Timing Isn’t Right”

There will never be a perfect time to make a big change. Life is always busy—there’s always a project at work, a family commitment, a holiday coming up.
Waiting for the stars to align is often a form of self-sabotage. It’s easier to say, “Not now,” than to face the discomfort of uncertainty.

A client once shared, “I kept waiting for my workload to lighten up, for my kids to get older, for things to settle down. Years went by, and nothing changed except how tired I felt.”

The truth? The best time to start is often before you feel 100% ready. Small, consistent actions add up over time.

If you find yourself living for weekends and dreading Mondays, check out Do You Dread Mondays and Live Only for Weekends?.

Myth #4: “If I Were Really Miserable, I’d Just Leave”

High-achievers are masters at normalizing pain. You tell yourself, “It’s not that bad,” or “Everyone feels like this.” You rationalize misery—counting your blessings, focusing on the positives, blaming yourself for not being grateful enough.

Here’s the hard truth:
Most people don’t leave until a crisis forces their hand—burnout, illness, redundancy, or a breaking point. By then, the cost is much higher.

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to make a change. You can decide that “good enough” isn’t good enough for you.

If this resonates, you might also relate to The Real Fear Behind Changing Careers (It’s Not What You Think).

Myth #5: “Wanting More Means You’re Ungrateful”

This myth is especially powerful for women who’ve worked hard to get where they are. You tell yourself, “I should be grateful—I have a good job, a steady paycheck, a respected title.”
But wanting fulfillment isn’t a flaw. It’s a sign you’re ready for growth.

You can appreciate what you have and still crave something more aligned with your values and dreams. Settling for less than you want doesn’t make you humble—it makes you smaller than you need to be.

If you struggle with saying no or putting yourself first, read The Hidden Side of People-Pleasing: Why It’s Not About Being Nice.

So, What Actually Keeps You Stuck?

It’s not money, confidence, timing, or even gratitude. It’s the myths you’ve been taught—and the stories you tell yourself about what’s possible.

Reflective coaching questions:

Which of these myths do you see in yourself?
What would you do if you stopped waiting for the “right” time?
What’s one small action you could take this week to move closer to the work you want?

You don’t have to do this alone. The first step is seeing the myths for what they are—and then choosing to move anyway.

Curious how to break free from these myths?
Explore my website and let’s talk about what’s actually possible for you.

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Until our next breakthrough! — Daria

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Why You May Never Change Your Career (Even Though You’re Miserable): 5 Myths That Keep Women Stuck