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Writer's pictureLaura Macdougall

Is your job an elegant prison?


You never went into this job thinking it would turn out this way.

You always loved what you did.

You don’t mind putting in the hours – it isn’t that.

The problem is: it isn’t fun anymore.

You are used to doing more with less, but now the budget is so tight, it is impacting the people you work with. The governance issues are wearing you down. You spend too much of your time dealing with staffing issues – it seems to be the new norm. Were people always this difficult? How can we possibly be expected to deliver on an ever-expanding list of strategic priorities?

Yet you are still there – holding on. Holding on because you don’t know what else you would do. Holding on because you don’t have that much longer to go. Holding on because you are afraid of making a change and losing the stability of a well paying job, the title, the benefits and bonus. Holding on because you worry what would other people say. What would they say?

So there you are in a self-constructed prison. Stuck inside with no clear way out of the elegant cage of your own making.

There is a way out – you too can find the key to open the door. Stepping out of prison into a spring meadow with fresh air, wildflowers, and a gentle breeze. Imagine the feeling of freedom – the confidence that would come from unlocking the door and stepping into your “second act”. A step filled with confidence, brimming with possibility. But it is more than confident– you are ON FIRE! You are feeling fully charged up about your next step – in fact, you can’t remember the last time you were this excited about something. Imagine what you would be doing, imagine what you be saying and who you would be with. Create the picture in your mind.

If you are keen on feeling that sense of freedom, the feeling of being ON-FIRE about what you are doing, the clarity of knowing you are living the best life you can imagine, message me and set up a call so we can discuss how I can support you in fueling your fire!

Laura Macdougall is a leading authority for senior women leaders in the non-profit and healthcare sectors who are designing their next chapters in life, work and legacy. Direct message her for more information on her coaching or speaking packages.

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