Let’s talk about what it’s like to feel stuck in a job you can’t quit. It’s one of those things that can weigh on you every single day, making it hard to focus on anything else.
You might feel like you’re just going through the motions, clocking in and out, while wishing things could be different. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I have no choice,” or “It’s just how things are right now.”
If you’ve ever felt like this, you’re not alone. So many people, especially moms balancing work and family, feel trapped in a job because the idea of leaving isn’t even on the table.
Honestly, I’ve felt this way many times in my 30+ year career in public accounting. It’s a very uncomfortable place to be in.
But what does “stuck” really mean? Is it your circumstances that are keeping you there, or could it be something else entirely?
Sometimes we think it’s all about the paycheck, the benefits, or the stability. And sure, those things matter—but is there more to the story?
Have you ever stopped to wonder why some people in tough jobs seem happier than others? Or why the same situation can feel so different depending on the day?
What if the job itself isn’t the only thing holding you back? What if there’s a way to change how you feel about your job without changing the job itself?
It’s a tough spot to be in, I know. It’s frustrating when you feel like all the options are bad, and you’re just trying to make it through another day.
But here’s the thing: feeling stuck doesn’t have to mean staying miserable. There are ways to feel better, even when quitting isn’t an option right now.
This isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or forcing yourself to be positive. It’s about understanding what’s really going on and finding a way to take back some control.
So, what do you do when it feels like you’re out of options? How do you handle the frustration and still show up for yourself, your family, and your career?
I want to explore what’s behind that stuck feeling and how to start moving forward—even if your circumstances can’t change right away. Because feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re powerless, even if it feels that way right now.
This week, I’m going to discuss why you feel stuck and how to empower yourself when you can’t quit right now.
Why you feel stuck
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being trapped in a job you can’t leave. It can feel suffocating, like every day you’re dragging yourself through the same routine, just to keep everything afloat.
You’ve got real responsibilities—bills to pay, kids to raise, and a future to plan for. It’s not like you can just throw caution to the wind and walk away from the stability your job provides.
That stability is what keeps the roof over your head and food on the table, so of course, you stay. But that doesn’t mean it feels good.
And let’s not pretend this is all just about finances. It’s also about things like benefits you need, seniority you’ve built, or even the fear of stepping into something unknown. It’s a lot to think about, and the weight of it can make the idea of leaving feel impossible.
Even when you know the job isn’t good for you, those practical realities can make you feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. It’s no wonder you feel trapped.
Now, let’s talk about what’s going on in your head because, honestly, your brain isn’t making this any easier. Have you ever noticed how it seems to latch onto every worst-case scenario it can think of? That’s your brain’s negativity bias doing what it does best—focusing on what could go wrong and blowing it up to massive proportions.
What if you leave and can’t find something better? What if you lose the financial security you need? What if the next job is worse? These thoughts aren’t just passing ideas—they feel like warning signs, flashing red lights telling you, “Stay where you are. It’s safer here.”
And as much as you might hate the situation, your brain is wired to hold onto what it knows. Even if the job is draining you, it’s familiar. It’s predictable.
And let’s be honest, change is scary. Your brain would rather keep you in a bad situation than face the uncertainty of something new. That’s why you might feel like you’re spinning your wheels—deep down, your brain thinks it’s protecting you by keeping you right where you are.
The thoughts that run through your mind only add to the weight of it all. “I don’t have a choice,” you might think, or “This is just how life is.” Those kinds of thoughts have a sneaky way of turning into beliefs, and once you believe them, it’s like the door to other possibilities slams shut.
That’s where the real feeling of powerlessness comes from—not just the job, but the belief that you’re stuck and can’t do anything about it.
And it doesn’t just stay in your head, either. Feeling stuck has a way of creeping into every part of your life.
It can drain your energy and leave you feeling mentally exhausted before your day even starts. It can affect how you show up for your family, making you short-tempered or distant when all you want is to be more present.
And let’s not forget what stress does to your body—headaches, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, you name it. Staying in a job that feels wrong for you doesn’t just impact your career; it can impact your health, your relationships, and even your sense of who you are.
It’s a tough place to be, and I get it. When you’re stuck in this cycle, it feels like you’re on a treadmill, running as fast as you can but not getting anywhere. The job feels like the problem, but the way your brain interprets everything makes it feel even heavier.
The good news is that you don’t have to stay in this place forever. Once you start to understand what’s really going on, you can take back some control. Even if you can’t quit your job right now, there’s a way to feel better and find some breathing room again. And that’s what we’re going to dig into next.
Empowering yourself when you can’t quit
When you feel stuck in a job, it’s easy to focus on everything you don’t like. But here’s the thing—you have more power than you realize. Even if quitting isn’t an option right now, there are ways to make the situation better for yourself. It all starts with how you think about it.
Step #1 – Reframe your mindset
Instead of thinking, “I’m stuck,” try telling yourself, “I’m choosing this job for now because it’s the best option for me in this moment.” It may not be where you want to be forever, but reminding yourself that you have a choice—because you do—can shift how you feel.
Remember, it’s not the job itself creating your frustration. It’s your thoughts about the job. Changing those thoughts can make all the difference.
Step #2 – Focus on what you can control
You may not be able to change your boss or your workload, but you can set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Maybe it’s saying no to working late every night or blocking time in your calendar for uninterrupted focus.
Tools like Container Calendaring that I teach my time management coaching clients can help you make decisions about how to manage your time so you’re not constantly reacting to everything around you. Taking control of your time can give you back some of that mental breathing room you’ve been craving.
Step #3 – Look for small ways to make things better
These micro-changes might not feel huge, but they can have a big impact over time. Maybe you delegate a task that’s been weighing on you or have an honest conversation with a colleague about how to work better together.
Adjusting expectations—whether it’s with others or with yourself—can also make a big difference. It’s about finding little things that make your day feel just a bit easier.
Step #4 – Plan for the future
While you’re focusing on the present, it’s also important to plan for the future. Even if you can’t quit right now, it doesn’t mean you’ll be in this job forever.
Start exploring what’s next—research other roles, schedule a call with us to explore becoming a CPA MOMS franchisee, take a course to build your skills, or reconnect with your professional network. These small steps can remind you that you’re working toward something better, even if it’s not happening today.
Step #5 – Practice gratitude
I know this can be tough when you’re unhappy in your job, but it’s about shifting your focus to what the job is providing for you. Maybe it’s the stability your family relies on or the chance to gain experience you’ll use in the future.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the things you don’t like—it means balancing them with the things you can appreciate. It’s amazing how this simple practice can change how you feel about your situation.
You may not be able to change everything, but you can always change how you approach it. Empowering yourself starts with these small, intentional steps. Over time, they can lead to bigger changes that help you feel more in control, even if your job stays the same for now.
Here’s the most important thing to take away from all this: you may not be able to quit your job right now, but you have so much more power than you think to feel better and make the experience more manageable. It’s not about ignoring the challenges—it’s about realizing that you don’t have to stay stuck in frustration or overwhelm.
Let me share a quick story. One of the moms I coached was a CPA juggling a demanding job and family life. She came to me feeling completely trapped.
She needed the paycheck and couldn’t imagine finding another job that fit her family’s schedule. She felt like she was drowning in responsibilities with no way out.
But instead of focusing on what she couldn’t change, we worked on what she could control. She started setting small boundaries, like saying no to unnecessary meetings and blocking time in her calendar to actually get her work done.
She also reframed her thoughts, reminding herself why she chose this job for now and what it was allowing her to do for her family. Within weeks, she started feeling lighter—like she could breathe again. She didn’t quit her job, but she no longer felt trapped by it.
I promise, if she can do it, so can you. The first step is managing your mind. Pay attention to the thoughts you’re choosing to believe about your situation and how they’re making you feel. You have the ability to take control of those thoughts and, in turn, how you show up in your job and your life.
You’re not powerless, even when it feels like you are. Small shifts in your mindset, boundaries, and actions can create big changes in how you experience your work and your life. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment to quit or for someone else to fix things—it’s about taking charge of what you can, right now.
Questions to consider
Question: “What am I choosing to focus on in my job right now?”
This question helps you become aware of whether you’re fixating on what you don’t like or intentionally focusing on the aspects of your job that are working for you. By shifting your attention to what your job provides—like financial stability, skills, or experience—you can begin to feel less stuck and more empowered. Remember, where your focus goes, your energy flows.
Question: “What small change can I make today to improve my experience at work?”
This question encourages action without feeling overwhelming. Small changes—like setting a boundary, delegating a task, or creating a focused time block—can have a ripple effect on your overall experience. When you identify and act on even one thing you can control, you’ll start to feel more capable and less at the mercy of your circumstances.
Question: “What thoughts am I having about my job, and how are they making me feel?”
This question helps you uncover the connection between your thoughts and your emotions. If you’re telling yourself, “I’m stuck” or “This will never get better,” it’s no surprise you’re feeling powerless or frustrated. By identifying those thoughts, you can start to question them and choose ones that create more productive emotions. For example, shifting to “I’m choosing this job for now” can bring a sense of control and relief.