3 Ways to Improve Your Current Job (When You Can’t Change Jobs Yet)
Let’s be honest, there are seasons when making a career move just isn’t possible. Whether it’s because of the current economy, caregiving responsibilities, or the overwhelming uncertainty in the world right now, sometimes we simply have to stay put.
And guess what? You are not alone.
In fact, a recent Ringover survey shows that nearly 80% of employees don’t plan to change jobs in 2025. We’re seeing a trend called “The Big Stay” where people are choosing stability over change. So, if you’re finding yourself needing to stay in your current role for the foreseeable future, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It means it’s time to get intentional.
Here are three practical (and heart-centered) ways to make the most of where you are right now:
1. Get Clear on What’s Not Working
Before you can improve your work experience, you have to understand what’s actually bothering you. Is it that you’re not feeling challenged? Are you underpaid? Is your boss difficult? Or maybe the work just doesn’t light you up anymore?
Once you pinpoint what’s creating dissatisfaction, you can begin brainstorming small shifts that are actually within your control.
➡️ Try this: For each pain point, write down 2–3 ideas that could help.
If you’re bored and unchallenged, could you ask to be cross-trained in another department? Take on a side project? Learn a new skill?
Real-world example:
My client Janice had a role she could complete in just 2–3 hours a day, but she was required to stay onsite all day, which left her feeling stagnant. We explored ways she could stay engaged by supporting other teams, volunteering for new initiatives, or even taking on contract work during her downtime. She didn’t have to leave her job to feel more fulfilled, she just needed to tap into her curiosity and take ownership of her time.
2. Look for Meaning (Even in the Margins)
Not every job will align perfectly with your passion or purpose. But you can infuse more meaning into what you already do.
My client Val returned from maternity leave and found that her old role didn’t spark joy anymore. The long hours and disconnection from the work left her feeling adrift. While we explored long-term options, she looked for purpose in the short term, volunteering for an internal committee that played to her strengths in process improvement and organization. That one change helped her feel reconnected to her values and reminded her that she still gets to shape her career story.
➡️ Ask yourself: What lights me up? Can I bring more of that into my current work, maybe through a committee, a stretch project, or mentoring others?
3. Shift the Focus to What You Can Control
Sometimes the things we dislike about our job aren’t fixable, at least not right now. If that’s the case, it’s time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
Gratitude and mindset shifts aren’t just fluffy advice. They’re proven tools that help us regain our power. Can you find something each day to be thankful for? A coworker you enjoy, a task you excel at, a moment of quiet in your commute?
And outside of work, where can you add more joy? Take that pottery class you’ve been eyeing. Volunteer with an organization that inspires you. Start a new fitness goal or personal challenge. Even small sparks of purpose outside the 9–5 can dramatically improve your outlook.
One Final Note…
If your current role is toxic, if it’s harming your mental, emotional, or physical health, please hear this: you do not have to stay. There are resources and paths forward. No job is worth sacrificing your well-being.
But if you're in a role that’s just “meh” or feels a little off-track, these shifts can help you reclaim your sense of agency. You don’t need to wait for a new title or a new company to start feeling better. You can begin creating the version of your career you want, right where you are.
You’re not stuck. You’re growing.