Stop me if this seems familiar. You’ve been focused on advancing your career. You put in countless hours, never say no to travel, stay available on Slack after hours, and even volunteer for your organization’s Women’s ERG committee.
Your friends and colleagues think you’re a superhero, destined for career success. They’re always asking how you manage it all! Yet, you feel like an imposter because you’re constantly overwhelmed, knowing this effort isn’t sustainable.
How does that make you feel? Guilty for not being fully present, feeling short on time to invest at work or with family? Or maybe a bit ashamed, fearing everyone sees only half of your potential?
Read this guide to learn why high-performing women often struggle to advance their careers—especially after becoming moms—and how to avoid the guilt and shame spiral.
Ready to understand why moms get stuck advancing careers? Grab a pumpkin spice latte and that journal you’ve been neglecting.
In my 24 years of professional experience, 15 of which I spent as a Senior VP in my family’s company, and now 7 years as a speaker, trainer, and coach, I’ve learned a lot about why women face career roadblocks.
Here are five key reasons why. Understanding them can be the first step toward finding fulfillment and making an impact while advancing your career.
Pssst! If you want more tips on balancing life with career goals, join my newsletter below. I share exclusive behind-the-scenes strategies and tips on taking confident action toward personal and professional goals, no matter your circumstances.
Reason #1: You Say Yes to Everyone Else but No to Yourself
Leadership requires boundaries. You’ve likely had bosses who’ve said “no” to plenty. But when you stay available on Slack after hours and over-schedule family activities, you signal that you’re a follower, not a leader.
My friend Jess Ekstrom has a great podcast episode on setting boundaries and thriving as a speaker. Leaders at all levels understand the value of setting boundaries.
Reason #2: You Don’t Speak Up
Judgment-free zone here, so let’s be honest. Do you often have ideas or solutions in meetings but hesitate to speak up?
If so, you’re not alone. Speaking up—even after being dismissed or ignored—is essential. Visibility is a vital part of leadership. Remember, if you’re not seen or heard, you’re not leading.
Related: Check out our prior episode of the Corrie Lo show on how to speak up for yourself, which provides deeper insights on building visibility.
Reason #3: You Don’t Have Clarity on Your “Why”
Advancing careers isn’t just about moving up; it’s about knowing why you want to grow. People don’t follow titles; they follow vision. To clarify your “why,” consider these steps:
- Define your personal values.
- Create a 5-year vision.
- Reflect on past experiences to uncover your purpose.
- Articulate your “why,” like Simon Sinek suggests, to connect the dots.
If you need support finding clarity in life, career, or business, I’m here to help. Clients like Lauren have gone from feeling lost to having confidence and communication skills that get noticed.
Book a discovery call to learn more.
Reason #4: You’re Not Asking for Opportunities
It’s not about doing more; it’s about asking for what you deserve. Despite systemic gender biases, you still need to ask for the opportunities you want.
Think of an area in your career where you could benefit from stepping up and asking for something instead of waiting for it. In my career, waiting for opportunities put my success on others’ timelines.
Once I started asking for opportunities with confidence, things shifted. Step back and objectively see where you can put yourself out there more often.
Reason #5: You’re Not Looking for a Mentor
Are you trying to do everything yourself? That’s a quick way to feel paralyzed by analysis. Finding a mentor who’s achieved what you aspire to can be the key to advancing careers without unnecessary setbacks.
For many (myself included), the cost of a mentor pays off within a year. Learning from others’ experience gives you shortcuts and confidence.
Key Takeaways
Each of these reasons for career stagnation has one thing in common—they’re self-imposed.
At first, this may seem daunting, but remember, I once made each of these mistakes too. By facing my fears and building essential skills, I now help other women advance their careers, build security, and become leaders for future generations.
If you’re interested in having me speak at your organization’s Women’s ERG, industry leadership conference, or HR event, contact me here.
Not ready to hire me? Join my free newsletter below for tips on becoming a confident leader and reaching your goals.
Want more insights? Find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), YouTube, and TikTok, where I share leadership tips, life as a working mom of 4, and my love of the NY Mets.
