The 6 Career Issues That Are Holding You Back
This week, I want to talk about something my team and I call the 6 Career Issues. I’ve worked with thousands of professionals over the last 20 years, and in that time, I’ve noticed a trend. Every client we work with at Work It DAILY faces one or more of these 6 problems.
I know what you're thinking: “J.T., there’s no way every career situation can fit into 6 categories.” Career challenges feel personal, overwhelming, and completely specific to you. But here’s the truth: your career situation is not unique.
Yup, that’s right. It’s harsh, I know. But I’m not telling you that to hurt your feelings or to upset you. I’m telling you because it’s the truth, and I want you to succeed. Once you can identify which of the 6 Career Issues is holding you back, you can create a targeted strategy to break through.
Let’s get into it!
The 6 Career Issues
No Interviews When you're sending out applications into the void and hearing nothing but crickets, something's wrong. Your resume, LinkedIn profile, or application strategy is failing you. You're not even getting a foot in the door, which means your personal brand needs a serious overhaul.
No Job Offers You're making it to interviews—congratulations! But you're not sealing the deal. Something is happening during those conversations that's preventing you from becoming the "must-have" candidate. Maybe it's your interview skills, your ability to showcase your value, or a disconnect between your experience and their needs.
No Recruiters Contacting You For more senior professionals, this is a critical issue. You should be at a point where recruiters are sliding into your LinkedIn DMs with exciting opportunities. If that's not happening, you're not positioning yourself as the industry expert you are.
Failing In A New Job You've landed the job, but something feels off. The role doesn't match what you expected, the culture isn't right, or the work doesn't energize you. This misalignment can be soul-crushing and career-stalling.
Work Problems Workplace issues can range from challenging co-workers to difficult managers. These "political" situations can feel like career quicksand, threatening your job stability and professional growth.
No Career Plan You have no direction in your career and no strategic vision. Just a sense of professional uncertainty that leaves you feeling stuck and anxious about your future.
Do any of these resonate with you? Reply to this email with the issue(s) that you are facing right now.
Now that you’ve identified what problem you are facing, it makes it so much easier for me and my team to help you succeed. We can show you step by step what you need to do and give you the resources/support to do so. Once you have that, you’re golden!
Why You Need A Career Coach In Your Corner
Here's something I tell every professional I work with: You wouldn't perform your own dental work or represent yourself in a complex legal case. So, why are you trying to navigate your career solo?
Top performers—athletes, executives, entrepreneurs—all have coaches. They understand that objective, expert guidance is the fastest path to success. Your career is no different.
I invite you to come try out Work It DAILY’s personalized career coaching platform free for 7 days. We'll help you:
Diagnose your exact career roadblock
Develop a step-by-step strategy
Connect you with resources tailored to your challenge
Don't stay stuck. Sign up for a 7-day free trial here.
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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