When I was in my most unhappy period at the end of my 18-year corporate career, I was the definition of “stuck.” At age 40, I had spent the previous years working very hard, advancing in new ways, and learning and growing, trying to ultimately land a senior role that I could love and feel I was great at, working with people I respected, engaging in tasks I enjoyed.

And I deeply wanted to be a part of an organization that was delivering products and services that I felt were contributive and purposeful in the world. But by the end of those 18 years, it just wasn’t happening. And worse than that, I was chronically ill, exhausted and feeling isolated and burnt out, and facing extremely difficult situations I didn’t know how to handle.

The core problem was that at that stage of my life, I was clueless as to what else I could do for a living that would earn what my family and I needed and not require me to start completely over. But nothing I pursued in the way of help offered a concrete solution or a new direction that made sense to me. I didn’t want to lose everything I’d worked so hard for or “blow it”—make a huge mistake and “fail” big again. I felt I was out of time and options.

So I did the worst thing we can do if we want to change careers or pivot to a new direction—I did absolutely nothing. I stayed stuck. I didn’t network or explore new avenues. I didn’t talk to inspiring people who were doing great things that made my heart skip a beat. I didn’t attend conferences or workshops that would teach me new skills. I did nothing to change my situation. I didn’t even accept a great new job that was offered to me because I worried it might be more of the same.

Finally, after a hard layoff in the days following 9/11, I said, “That’s it! It’s time for a BIG change.” And I embarked on that change path with a passion.

What is the worst thing you can do if you’re unhappy in your career and truly want to change it?

The worse thing to do is to wait until you think you have it all figured out and have “the answer” before you take any action or make any moves.

Progress just doesn’t work that way. Nothing will change if you wait until you think you know exactly what you want to do before you take any steps. And success won’t come at all if you’re so afraid of failing that you won’t even consider exploring a new direction in risk-free ways.

To get unstuck, you can’t wait until some magical revelation occurs to you that will solve all your problems.

Instead, you have to begin to get moving now, with new, positive and hopeful energy, and start taking brave, empowered microsteps that will open new doors for you, and help you see that there are indeed more options available to you than you currently recognize.

Confidence doesn’t suddenly strike. It’s in the execution of these brave (and often intimidating) steps that will open the door to growth and expand the confidence and self-esteem you need to make a change.

If you’re unhappy in your career but have no idea what else you could do that would earn good money, below are three empowering steps that you can take right now:

1. Start recognizing what you’re drawn to outside your job, and explore how you can leverage your current talents and skills in a new direction that has the same “essence” as this thing you love

Let’s say you’re a sales director for a healthcare startup and you’re really good at it and enjoy sales, but aren’t aligned at all with the healthcare services your organization provides, or even healthcare as a field.

Let’s say too, that you’ve always loved international travel and every chance you get, you’re off exploring distant lands. Perhaps you’ve lived abroad too and personally experienced the thrill of immersing yourself in different cultures. If that’s what you’re passionate about— having experiences that change you—think about how you can (for instance) potentially shift to a new sales role that is focused on selling or promoting cultural or international experiences, perhaps in the travel, education or hospitality fields.

Ask yourself: How can I leverage what I already know and do well, but in a new direction that I’m passionate about and feels good and right and aligned with my values and deep interests?

Talk about it: Start talking to anyone you can think of who might have some good ideas for you or contacts to explore how you can continue doing what you’re great at, but pivot to a new direction that you’d be thrilled to support.

2. If you want a completely new career, start by narrowing down three directions that you’d like to explore

Most professionals who come for career coaching and think they want to chuck their careers entirely typically don’t have a clear idea of what they would do instead, and that keeps them locked in paralysis.

To get a clearer sense of directions you might like to pursue:

• Take a step back and identify fields you’ve always been interested in since you were young
• Understand yourself more deeply, and identify what you value, enjoy and cherish in life
• Brainstorm a full list of your skills and capabilities and research new career directions that need these skills
• Explore what it would take to get more training and experience in these exciting fields
• Uncover what you’re most passionate about right now, at this stage of life
• Read about the college or post-graduate curriculum and other certification training offered in these areas and assess how you feel about pursuing additional learning
• Talk to 10 professionals who are engaged in these fields, to get a real-world perspective of what’s involved

(To gain a deeper, clearer understanding of who you are today and what your career trajectory is revealing now, take my free Career Path Self-Assessment. It’s a list of critical questions I wish I’d answered 40 years ago, and that every professional should answer thoroughly before and understand about themselves before they make any key moves or decisions.)

Finally, for any career change or pivot, take a long, hard look at your finances, and wherever possible, do what’s necessary to build some savings for a “career growth fund” that will allow you some flexibility to explore a few new options (without chucking your current job).

Ask yourself: What are the outcomes that I want to support in my work and how can I use my natural talents, abilities and experience to further those outcomes?

Talk about it: Narrow down three possible directions you want to learn more about, and connect with people here on LinkedIn and in your personal network who are doing this work, and get their thoughts and feedback.

3. Connect with an accountability buddy for this process

We can’t create an amazing career alone and in a vacuum. You need inspiring and empowered people in your life to help you stay motivated, energized and engaged in the process of growth while you commit to exploring some new directions.

Find an accountability buddy, mentor or supporter who can help you develop—and stick with—a concrete plan for exploring and trying on a new career or a pivot that will generate more success, reward and fulfillment. It takes time and commitment, but one thing is certain: if you don’t get on the path to exploration, nothing will ever change for you.

Ask yourself: Who do I know that might be a great mentor or coaching buddy for me as I engage in this process?

Talk about it: Reach out to a few good friends or colleagues who love what they’re doing professionally and have taken brave steps to get there, share what you’re hoping to do, and ask if they might be open to providing some ongoing mentorship for you.

Two powerful questions to ask your mentors or new networking contacts – after you share what you’re thinking of – are these:

1. Do you have any ideas for me?

and

2. Would you know of anyone else who might be helpful to speak with?

Just these two little questions can generate so much new thinking and opportunity for you, and connect you with new, inspiring folks whom you can learn from and be inspired by.

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If you’re ready for a new career or direction, don’t stay stuck in paralysis and confusion. Just get moving. Update your LinkedIn profile (see my LinkedIn support page for free resources and help) and include mention of your outside passions and the volunteer work you’re doing that supports those passions.

Start talking to new people about what they do for a living. Reach out to recruiters, former colleagues, professors, bosses, friends and others you’ve respected and tell them what you’re thinking about. And attend a conference, workshop or class that excites you.

And remember this:

Often, just one brief conversation can open a brand new door that positively shifts your energy, agency and possibilities – and can change everything for you.

For hands-on help to build a thrilling career, check out my free trainings, Assessments, take my Amazing Career Project video training series, or join me in a personalized coaching program. For instant answers 24/7 (via text chat or audio) to your most pressing career challenges, subscribe to Kathy Caprino AI.

To build more confidence, self-esteem, and success in your professional life, take my 8-module course The Most Powerful You, and read my book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss. And subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, Finding Brave podcast and YouTube channel.