Susan C. Martin

Ed.D., PCC, CAPP

My coaching clients are highly accomplished women with PhDs and other doctoral degrees who come to coaching because they know they want something different out of their life, career or job.

Typically, they have no idea what it is that they want, they just know that they have a deep yearning for something different, something better or something bigger.

Or if they have a vision of their future they just don’t know where to start or how to get there - so they have stayed where they are - stuck, frustrated, miserable and languishing.

The price of staying stuck in a job that is misaligned with your bigger vision is high - overwork and exhaustion, being overlooked and undercompensated, not having your ideas and contributions taken seriously, and missing out on precious family time, fun, hobbies and self-care.

I see how maddening it is for my clients to be so smart and yet feel so stuck, confused, or downright fearful about making a change.

If this sounds like you, this newsletter issue is for you. I invite you to read on to:

• consider the underlying reasons why you might be stuck?,

• learn about From Stuck to Unstoppable, a small group coaching program starting in April, and it’s bold promise to change how you think about yourself, your career and the job search process FOREVER!,

• and try one simple tool you can start using now to get unstuck—a career self-reflection journal.

Why do smart women remain in careers that don't fit their big dreams?

As a woman with a PhD, you’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are—but does it ever feel like your career still isn’t quite where you want it to be? You want to make a change, but can’t seem to get moving.

You’re not alone. The feeling of being stuck can be quite a challenging experience, especially when considering a significant transition like a career change.

Some common root causes for this include:

1. Fear of the Unknown: Change can be daunting because it involves uncertainty. The unfamiliar can trigger anxiety, making it hard to take the first step.
   

2. Lack of Clarity: Without a clear vision of what you want, it can be challenging to move forward. Defining your goals and the steps to achieve them is crucial.
   

3. Perfectionism: Wanting everything to be perfect before making a move can lead to paralysis by analysis. It's important to embrace imperfection as part of the process.
   

4. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome: Questioning your abilities or fearing failure can prevent you from taking action. Building self-confidence can help overcome this barrier.
   

5. Comfort with the Status Quo: Sometimes, the comfort of what is known outweighs the potential benefits of change, even if the current situation is not ideal.
   

6. External Pressures: Family, societal expectations, or financial obligations can make it difficult to pursue a change, even if it's desired.

Which of these sounds like you?

But here’s the truth: you are not stuck FOREVER—you just need the right support to move forward with clarity and confidence. That’s exactly why I created this new group coaching experience that is starting in April—so you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whatever the reasons are for you, From Stuck to Unstoppable can help you get unstuck and moving toward a career or job aligned with your BIG VISION.

Invitation to Help Shape My

Future Programs and Services

I need your help and invite you to complete a brief survey about what your most pressing career-related needs and challenges are. Please take a few minutes now to share your thoughts and experiences.

The information you provide will  help me develop the relevant, useful and accessible programs and services for professional women with PhDs/Doctorates who are looking to make career and life changes that are aligned with their deepest yearnings. Small group coaching programs, short online courses and low cost live workshops will expand the impact I can have far beyond what is possible with the one-on-one coaching I currently offer.

Unfortunately, there are very few career exploration and job search programs exclusively designed for women with PhDs and Doctorates. The material that out there is primarily offered within universities  and is geared toward current doctoral students and postdocs and not relevant to experienced professionals. And it is not focused on the unique challenges women are facing. imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and a harsh inner critic that hold them back from pursuing new opportunities. They are often overlooked for promotions, underpaid compared to male counterparts, and underrepresented in leadership roles—especially in male-dominated fields.

Help me fill this gap!

TOOL: Use a Career Self-Reflection Journal

Keeping a self-reflection journal about your current job is a powerful tool for gaining clarity and understanding. It helps you track emotions and experiences, revealing patterns in your work life. By regularly reflecting, you can identify what truly matters to you, understand which aspects of your job align with your values, and pinpoint areas needing change. This process empowers you to make informed decisions about your career path, fostering personal growth and job satisfaction.

1. Intentions: Begin your journaling process by writing a brief statement about your intentions. Consider what you hope to uncover or achieve through this reflective practice. Are you seeking clarity on your career path, or perhaps looking for ways to enhance satisfaction in your current role? Setting clear intentions can guide your reflections and help you focus on your desired outcomes.
   

2. Daily Entries: Each day, take a few moments to document your workday experiences. Reflect on what brought you joy or satisfaction, as well as any tasks or situations that felt frustrating or draining. Consider any notable interactions with colleagues and how these affected your mood and perspective. Additionally, pay attention to any patterns in your emotions or attitudes throughout the day. These daily entries will serve as valuable data for your weekly reflections.
   

3. Weekly Reflection: At the end of each week, review your daily entries to identify recurring themes or patterns. Consider which aspects of your job consistently impact your mood, both positively and negatively. Reflect on any insights gained and think about small changes you might make to improve your overall work experience. This weekly reflection helps you see the bigger picture and guides your next steps.
   

4. Values Check: Periodically, take time to reflect on your core values and how they align with your current job. Consider which values are being honored and which may be neglected in your current role. Envision what an ideal workday would look like for you, focusing on how it aligns with your values and desires. This exercise helps ensure that your career path is in harmony with what truly matters to you.

TIP: Buy a journal that you find beautiful and that has a look and feel that really resonates with you. Consider writing with your favorite pens, a set of markers or colored pencils.