Stuck in Work That Drains You? Here’s What It’s Costing You

For many women in their third act, work has long been positioned as a path to success, security, and identity. We were told we could have it all, that climbing the corporate ladder, stepping into male-dominated fields, and pushing through every challenge would lead to fulfillment.

But what happens when that promise no longer holds true?

What happens when the job you worked so hard for starts draining you instead of inspiring you?

You’re not alone.

A growing body of research shows that midlife women are seeking more purpose and meaning in their careers. (Women’s Midlife Health Journal, 2021). This shift is not just about work dissatisfaction—it’s a response to a lifetime of operating within structures never built for women to thrive.

Maybe you wake up dreading the day ahead. The work that once challenged you now feels repetitive and soul-sucking. You wonder, “Is this really it?”

Yet, instead of making a move, you stay.

When work no longer aligns with your values and strengths, it takes a toll, mentally, emotionally, and even physically.

A study by Gallup found that 60% of employees are emotionally detached at work, and 19% are miserable. (Gallup, 2023). Women, particularly in midlife, are more likely to experience burnout and stress-related exhaustion, balancing career pressures with life’s many demands.

Symptoms of Staying Too Long in an Unfulfilling Job:

Many women hit midlife career burnout because they’ve spent years prioritising stability over satisfaction. The problem is, over time, this disconnect from purpose leads to a loss of identity, the feeling of “Who am I if I don’t do this?”

Staying in a job that drains you doesn’t just impact your mental state—it has physical consequences too.

According to a 2021 study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, prolonged job dissatisfaction increases the risk of:

Women often stay in unfulfilling jobs out of financial security concerns. But here’s the truth: staying put isn’t always the “safe” financial choice.

A Harvard Business Review study found that women in midlife often feel trapped by their income, yet those who take control of their careers often end up earning more in the long run.

It’s not about taking a reckless leap. It’s about strategically creating new opportunities that align with your values and financial goals.

One of the biggest hidden costs of staying in an unfulfilling job is what it does to your confidence.

At first, you tell yourself, “I can make this work.” But over time, the misalignment chips away at your self-belief.

By midlife, many women feel like their best years are behind them. But what if that’s just a lie we’ve been conditioned to believe?

If you’re reading this and nodding along, you’re not alone.

But here’s the empowering truth: Midlife isn’t the end of opportunities, it’s the beginning of your most powerful chapter.

At this stage in life, you have more clarity, more experience, and more resilience than ever before.

Here’s what midlife gives you that your younger self didn’t have:

By midlife, many women feel like their best years are behind them. But what if that’s just a lie we’ve been conditioned to believe?

And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, drained, or uncertain, I want you to take a moment and ask yourself:

If that question makes you uneasy, it’s time to start exploring your next step.

You don’t have to quit tomorrow. But you CAN start taking action right now, even if it’s as small as getting clear on what you truly want.

This is exactly why I created Ditch the Drain: The Formula for Purpose-Driven Work, a structured 12-week journey designed to help midlife women break free from work that no longer fits them and create a new, fulfilling path forward.

Want to explore what’s possible? Join my waitlist now and get the first step to redefining work on your terms.