Ron Pratt
I don't like what I do and it doesn't fulfill me, but I can't figure out how to fix it.
I hear this from accomplished professionals all the time. It's the frustration of building an impressive career that still feels hollow.
A few days ago, I wrote about "golden handcuffs" - that trapped feeling when you want to leave your job but believe you can't afford to. The response told me this fear runs deep for many high-achievers.
Here's the pattern: The moment you consider change, your inner voice shuts down the conversation. "I can't afford to leave." "I'd take a massive pay cut." "I worked too hard to get here."
When you shut it down that quickly, you never explore what's actually possible.
Most of the time, the fear is built on two untested assumptions:
Any meaningful work will mean a significant pay cut
That pay cut will force you to sacrifice your lifestyle
But working with clients who felt trapped, I've learned those assumptions are often wrong.
Clients often discover they have more earning potential outside their current role than they realized. Or that their "required lifestyle number" is lower than assumed once they examine it honestly.
The breakthrough happens when they stop seeing it as choosing between prosperity and purpose, and start asking strategic questions:
What would gradual transition look like instead of a dramatic leap?
How could I leverage my existing skills and network in a new direction?
What if this "pay cut" is temporary while I build something bigger?
Your intuition isn't trying to sabotage your financial security. It's trying to guide you toward work that energizes instead of drains you.
The fear isn't wrong. Financial security matters. But before you let it keep you stuck, test those assumptions.
Are you certain you couldn't earn well doing work you enjoy? Do you actually know how much you need to live your desired lifestyle?
If you’re considering a career shift, but financial concerns are holding you back, it’s worth asking yourself these questions. The choice between fulfillment and prosperity might not be as real as you think.
P.S. If you're ready to separate fear from reality and explore what's actually possible, I'd love to help you examine these assumptions. Message me by clicking the button below, and let's figure this out together.
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