You’re pushing through. You’re staying organized. You’re doing what needs to be done. But something still feels… off.
If you’ve been running your career or practice in survival mode, it might be time to pause and ask a powerful question: Is this still working for me?
In a recent episode of The CPA MOMS Podcast, Nicole Kehl and Mayumi Young talked about the difference between burnout and feeling boxed in. One of the most important takeaways? Survival mode doesn’t always look like exhaustion. Sometimes, it looks like functioning on the outside while slowly disconnecting on the inside.
If that resonates, here are five signs it may be time to stop surviving and start strategizing your next chapter.
1. You’re constantly asking, “Is this it?”
You’ve checked all the boxes: the credentials, the clients, the career milestones. But deep down, you feel unfulfilled. When that nagging sense of “something’s missing” doesn’t go away, it’s not about being ungrateful. It’s a signal. Your definition of success may be evolving. That’s a good thing.
Reframe it: This isn’t failure. It is growth asking for space.
2. You’re emotionally numb but technically “fine”
You’re not falling apart. You’re getting things done. But the joy is gone, and even your wins feel flat. This isn’t always burnout. It could be a sign that you’re misaligned with your work or environment. You’ve outgrown it. You’re craving more purpose, more autonomy, or a different way of contributing.
Reframe it: If you’re feeling disconnected, it might be time to reconnect with what matters to you.
3. You keep telling yourself “next season will be better”
You’ve been saying this for months. Maybe years. If you’re always waiting for the chaos to calm down before you make a change, survival mode becomes your new normal. The truth is, clarity comes from making a shift, not waiting for the perfect time.
Reframe it: If nothing changes, nothing changes. What small decision could you make today to disrupt the pattern?
4. You feel boxed in by the business or role you built
This is one of the most honest and difficult realizations for ambitious women. Sometimes the structure you created to build your success becomes the very thing that limits your freedom. You feel trapped by your calendar, your client list, or the expectations you’ve set.
Reframe it: You’re allowed to redesign what you’ve built. Evolution is part of leadership.
5. You know what you want, but fear is holding you back
Whether it’s pivoting your services, changing your pricing, or going out on your own, you know what would feel better. But the risk feels overwhelming. You’re not alone. The fear of failure, instability, or judgment is real. But so is the cost of staying stuck.
Reframe it: Fear is a sign that you’re standing at the edge of growth. Courage starts with a single next step.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
The shift from survival to strategy doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It starts with one decision: to stop tolerating misalignment and start building with intention.
That’s exactly what CPA MOMS was created to support.
Join our community of like-minded women at cpamoms.com/start and take the first step toward building the practice and the life you actually want.