Stuck in a Career Rut? How Ana Found Direction, Confidence, and a Clear Next Step

Do you ever find yourself overflowing with ideas, yet frozen by indecision after leaving a job that didn’t feel right? That was Ana’s experience. She left a role that didn’t align with her values—but what came next wasn’t immediately clear.

What followed was a journey of self-discovery, creative expression, and finally choosing a path that excited her. Here’s how she moved from stuck to confident—and what you can learn from her experience.

The Starting Point: Too Many Ideas, Not Enough Direction

Ana came into the Purpose-Driven Career Accelerator after quitting a job that had been draining her energy. But she wasn’t sure what to do next.

“I had three main ideas in my head—go back to GIS work, pursue certifications, or become a teacher. I felt overwhelmed.”

When she took Kori’s quiz, one question jumped out:
“Do you have a lot of ideas swimming in your head and not sure what to take action on?”
Ana saw herself in that question—and booked a call.

Making Space for Exploration (and Guilt)

Leaving a job can come with guilt. Ana felt it too.

“I had real fears about being unemployed for a while. I kept imagining worst-case scenarios.”

But with a flexible structure and coaching support, she gave herself space to slow down and explore—not only career ideas, but how to handle the emotions tied to a major life change.

“Everything I was feeling was valid. But eventually I realized—if I’m going to worry, I might as well worry while I’m going after my goals.”

Identifying the Inner Critic—and Learning to Lead Anyway

Like many early-career professionals, Ana’s inner critic was holding her back. She’d hesitate to speak up, reach out, or share her goals with others.

“My inner critic used to say, ‘Don’t bother people,’ or ‘Just stay quiet.’ I’d go to events and hide in the back.”

Through coaching, Ana learned to work with that voice rather than let it lead.

“I started reaching out to alumni and attending conferences. That was huge for me. I realized I could talk about myself and my goals—and people responded positively.”

Key Milestones and Tangible Wins

Over the course of six months, Ana achieved more than she imagined. Her top three wins?

1. Passing Her Engineer-in-Training Exam

“When I got the news I passed, I thought—OK, I can’t go back now. I can do this. I need to keep the momentum going.”

2. Gaining Confidence and Clarity Through Networking

Ana attended a key industry conference where she not only made connections, but gained a sense of belonging and purpose.

“After the conference, I felt this shift—confidence, excitement, and direction. I finally saw a future in environmental engineering that felt right.”

3. Building a 6–12 Month Career Plan

With support, Ana created a realistic and purpose-driven action plan.

“Before, I was winging it. Now I have structure—a six-month plan, goals I’m working toward, and clarity about what comes next.”

Unexpected Joy: Creative Expression as a Form of Clarity

Ana’s journey wasn’t only about professional progress—it also involved rediscovering creativity.

“Toward the end of the program, I found myself wanting to sketch landscapes. One day I went to Trinity Park in Fort Worth and sketched the view. I didn’t expect it to become something I loved.”

She also experimented with origami, using creativity to process emotions and build calm.

“Sketching became a way to manage anxiety and feel present. It helped me stay grounded while navigating career decisions.”

What’s Next: Volunteering, Exploring, and Gaining Experience

Ana committed to a six-month AmeriCorps City Year program, giving her the opportunity to explore her interest in teaching, give back to her community, and continue networking in the environmental field.

“This lets me explore whether teaching is right for me, while also living in a new state and continuing to grow professionally.”

She also began actively planning whether to enter the workforce or return to school.

Fast Forward Two Years…

After completing her AmeriCorps service, Ana returned to grad school at the Colorado School of Mines and landed a dream internship at the company she had always wanted to work for.

“Life is still a wild ride, but things are finally coming together. I’ve weathered the storm, and now I’m finishing up my first semester of grad school. Looking back, I’ve come so much further than I ever imagined.”

Ready to Let Go of Guilt and Move Forward?

Ana’s story is a reminder that clarity comes with action—and that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re leaving a job, starting over, or just feeling directionless, there is a path forward.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether coaching is right for you—and take the first step toward your next chapter.

🎥 Watch Ana’s full video interview here: From Lost to Confident: Ana’s Story