Hope in the Struggle: 3 Ways to Stay Inspired When You Feel Stuck in Your Career Journey by Shanice Whittaker

Shanice Whittaker, MBA-HRM, is the founder of Soul Movement Success and a seasoned HR practitioner with over a decade of experience helping diverse communities thrive. My mission is to dismantle systemic barriers, spotlight BIWOC excellence, and ensure that women of color can achieve their full potential in their careers and communities.

You just arrived at work after enduring two hours of traffic, and the first Slack ping of the day pops up: “Meet in the conference room in 10.” Or maybe you’re knee-deep in your tenth—no, eleventh—job application, staring at the dreaded question: “Why do you want to work here?” as you wonder when you’ll nally hear back from someone. You're frustrated, tired, and discouraged. The thoughts creep in: How did I get here? Will things ever get better? 

In today’s challenging economy, searching for a job or feeling stuck in your current role can feel like an uphill battle. The market is competitive, opportunities feel scarce, and it’s easy to feel disheartened. But even in tough times, remember this: your journey is not defined by a single season of struggle. There’s hope, and there are ways to keep moving forward. 

“Sometimes, the best opportunities arise when we allow ourselves to live beyond our careers.” 

Burnout happens when we’re constantly giving but rarely refilling our own cup. We pour energy into our work, our responsibilities, and others—but what about ourselves? To avoid feeling, “Sometimes, the best opportunities arise when we allow ourselves to live beyond our careers.”

Find Fulfillment Outside of Your Job

Jaded or stuck, it's essential to find spaces that bring you joy and fulfillment beyond your job.

Whether it’s volunteering in your community, picking up a new hobby, or diving into a creative passion, these moments of joy restore energy and perspective. Not only does this create balance, but it may also open doors you never expected. Sometimes, the best opportunities arise when we allow ourselves to live beyond our careers.

Work routines tend to keep us in the same circles, same spaces, and same conversations. Job searching? That can feel even more isolating—endlessly scrolling through job boards, submitting applications, and hoping for a response.

Shake things up. Change your environment. That could mean applying for jobs at a new café, taking a different route to work, or joining an industry event you wouldn’t normally attend.

Yes, networking is easier said than done—especially when you’re feeling discouraged. But it’s not just about sending LinkedIn requests; it’s about showing up in unexpected spaces. You never know who you’ll meet at a local event, online group, or even a community class

Sometimes, the best opportunities start with a simple conversation. No matter where you are in your career, having a village of support makes all the difference.

Yet, when we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to retreat inward—misery doesn’t always want company. But isolation only makes the journey harder.

Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strategy. Whether you need advice on your next step, mentorship, or just someone to talk to, support is out there. And if you don’t know where to start? I’ve built spaces just for this.

Expand Your Network—In Places You Don’t Expect

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

From starting as a front desk admin to building my own senior HR career, I’ve lived the journey I now empower others to take. 

Energy on Facebook. These spaces are designed for women professionals of color who are ready to grow, connect, and thrive.

For daily encouragement, career tips, and motivational content, follow me on Instagram

 @SucceedWithShanice—because sometimes, all you need is a reminder that you are capable, resilient, and worthy of success.

I also offer complimentary and low-cost resume review and coaching sessions to help guide you in your career and personal development. Whether you need clarity, encouragement, or strategy, I’m here to support you.

The job market may be tough, but you are tougher. Don’t lose sight of your purpose or potential. Keep pursuing what lights you up, expand your network, and never be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone in this journey. Together, we’ll keep moving forward.

Let’s grow, connect, and create new opportunities—together.