Allow me to paint an image, and tell me if it hits close to home:
It’s Monday again.
You’re sluggish and all-too slow to settle into your desk. You glance down, and in your hand marks cup number three of the morning line-up of coffee. In a half-hearted attempt to convince yourself you can have fun with your to-do list today, you turn on your favorite Spotify playlist of up-tempo jams. First task to mark off the list? Check in at a group Zoom meeting because your boss doesn’t fully trust the staff to show up while working remote. You’re dutiful and good at your job, so you do as you’re told: check in with the team, answer their questions, while promptly attending approximately 2945792 Zoom meetings soon thereafter. Before you know it, the day has disappeared, and you’re exhausted.
Not just tired, but worn-to-the-bone.
Time for some tough truth: that exhaustion isn’t because your work is unbearably difficult. You know it isn’t! The real reason you’re exhausted is because your mind and body are bored. It takes a huge amount of energy to deal with the mundane buzz of being bored for eight hours a day—all day, every day. Nine times out of ten, the reason you’re bored at work is because you’re being underutilized.
You’re settling for a job that feels comfortable, rather than pursuing the one you’re meant for.
So, how can you tell if you’re underestimating yourself and your capabilities other than feeling bored? I can definitely help! You might fall into this category if:
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You’re the one who always takes responsibility in a group setting: Notes, calendar invites and strategy always tend to fall on your very capable shoulders.
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Your suggestions aren’t implemented: You’re always learning and getting inspired with new processes and possibilities, but you feel as though your ideas are brushed aside and never actually implemented.
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Your workload increases, but your pay doesn’t: THIS ONE CANNOT BE OVERSTATED. Many women feel honored when they’re asked to take on more of an “unofficial” leadership role, but don’t be fooled! If your workload increases, but your pay and title don’t, that’s a clear sign that you’re being undervalued.
Each of these indicators demonstrates that you have the desire to lead others, to innovate and to take responsibility, but that you aren’t currently in a role with enough authority to make it happen. And, you know what that means, right? It’s time for an up-level, friend!
If you realize you fall into this category, don’t stress! This realization will change everything about your career. You have to be the first one to notice when you’re being underutilized and undervalued, so that you can clarify what a truly fulfilling and challenging role would look like.
It’s time for some leadership coaching…
If you’re realizing that you’re bored and underestimating your skills, the number one way to break out of this rut is to start thinking differently. Ask yourself:
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What would it look like to feel fulfilled at work?
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What kind of challenges do I enjoy?
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How can my gifts and skills benefit others?
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What valuable perspective do I bring to the table?
This is precisely why I became a professional career coach! So that smart, ambitious women like yourself would stop settling into roles that merely pays the bills, and instead chase the true dream role.
Because you deserve both freedom and compensation that lights you up.
And, you have world-changing ideas that we need to see happen. You get to feel abundant, and to create a life that is inspiring, energizing and powerful—it’s not just for entrepreneurs.
If you’re looking for a total career and life transformation—transitioning from bored and frustrated to feeling truly powerful and fulfilled—start a conversation with me.
I’ve worked with dozens and dozens of women just like you, and I’m experienced in helping you avoid the “I don’t know trap,” as well as providing insight and helping you build your self-advocacy vocabulary with tools such as the Personal Power Code.
Do me a favor, will you? Don’t let another day go by where you feel underutilized and undervalued. If your dream role were just around the corner, wouldn’t you want to start making that happen TODAY?
I offer professional coaching for rising women leaders in the corporate world, with a focus on helping them overcome lack of confidence via professional coaching, virtual coaching, invitation only masterminds and powerful online courses. If your goals for the year include confidence in the workplace, let’s talk! I’d love to help you build an action plan for success. Click here to apply for a free coaching consultation with me directly!
