Introduction
If your Sunday nights are filled with dread instead of anticipation, it’s not because you’re ungrateful. It’s because you’ve outgrown a version of your career that once fit—but no longer does. You’re not alone in that feeling, and the answer isn’t always to burn it all down. Sometimes, it’s about reinvention.
In this episode of The Potentialite Podcast, leadership coach Laura Weldy explores how high-achieving women drift into resentment, why we often ignore the signs, and how to realign your work life with your current values. Whether you’re navigating burnout, feeling unseen, or simply craving change, this is your invitation to reimagine what your career can be.
What Career Resentment Really Looks Like
Resentment at work doesn’t always scream. Often, it whispers. It creeps in slowly—through missed boundaries, unmet expectations, and unspoken needs. You might start holding back ideas, bracing for critique, or telling yourself you “just don’t know what you want.”
But here’s the truth: that feeling is a signal, not a flaw. Laura shares that even in her own business—where she’s in charge—resentment crept in when boundaries weren’t protected. Over time, constantly making exceptions and silencing your needs for the sake of others leads to a quiet emotional erosion.
If that sounds familiar, it’s not because you’re broken. It’s because your career hasn’t kept pace with your evolving priorities—and you haven’t been taught how to adjust it.
The 3 Phases of Women’s Career Growth
Careers are not linear—they evolve. According to a study in Career Development International, women typically experience three distinct career phases:
- Idealism (ages 21–35): The beginning of your journey, often filled with ambition, optimism, and dreams of impact.
- Endurance (ages 36–43): Where personal responsibilities intensify, and survival becomes the goal.
- Reinvention (ages 43+): A return to purpose, leadership, and giving back in a meaningful way.
Laura points out that resentment builds when your actions don’t evolve along with these stages. If you’re operating with the expectations of your past self while living a completely different reality today, your work begins to feel misaligned—and your energy drains fast.
Why Boundaries, Burnout, and Visibility Matter
Many women were socialized to keep others comfortable—even at the cost of our own capacity. That often means we delay advocating for our needs, hoping someone will notice and reward our quiet excellence.
Spoiler alert: they won’t. Laura shares how early in her corporate career, she assumed her hard work would automatically be noticed and rewarded. But she learned the hard way—people can’t support what they don’t see. And marketing yourself isn’t just for entrepreneurs—it’s essential in corporate life, too.
When Resentment Isn’t Just You—it’s the System
Sometimes, resentment stems from misalignment within. But sometimes, it’s a toxic system refusing to change. So how can you tell the difference?
If you’ve already communicated your needs clearly, set boundaries, and adjusted your own behaviors—but you’re still facing unresponsive leadership or unrealistic workloads—it may be time to explore a new environment. Systemic problems can’t be solved with personal growth alone.
Watch for these signs:
- Constant pushback or disregard of your boundaries
- Lack of flexibility or acknowledgment from leadership
- A toxic culture that punishes individuality or dissent
How to Begin Your Career Reinvention—Without Starting Over
Reinvention doesn’t mean throwing everything out. It means reconnecting with your values and designing a career that fits your life now.
Here’s a simple values-mapping exercise Laura recommends:
- Start big: What do you want your career to mean for you? Consider role, title, recognition, flexibility, or impact.
- Go deeper: What emotional needs are underneath those goals? Security? Creativity? Belonging?
- Get real: Which of these goals can you actually influence or act on right now?
- Take action: Choose one value to focus on per quarter. Align your behaviors, calendar, and conversations around it.
This exercise helps move you from vague frustration to tangible clarity—and ultimately, toward a career that supports your current lifestyle and leadership goals.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken—You’re Evolving
Feeling resentful doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re outgrowing your old career blueprint. Reinvention isn’t always about a dramatic leap. Sometimes it’s a slow return to what you really value. A recalibration. A reminder of your voice and vision.
So if you’ve been ignoring the tension between where you are and where you want to be, consider this your permission slip to pause, reflect, and make a new choice. You deserve a career that lights you up again—not one you have to endure.
Ready to Reignite Your Career?
If this resonates, take the first step today. Download The High Potential Pack, Laura’s free guide to defining your leadership strengths, boosting your visibility, and building a sustainable career plan. Get it here: lauraweldy.com/free
And if you’re ready to join a community of ambitious women redesigning their careers with clarity and confidence, keep an eye out for The Personal Power Code Mastermind—reopening in April 2025.
Share the Journey
Feeling seen by this post? Send it to a friend, post it on LinkedIn, or drop Laura a message. Let her know: What’s one value you’re ready to honor more boldly in your career this season?
Until next time, keep showing up—and keep thriving.