There’s a point where you look at your life and think:

Is this it?

You’re working.
You’re doing what you’re supposed to do.
From the outside, it looks fine.

But internally, something feels off.

You feel stuck.

This came up in my conversation on Episode 35 of Guyset with former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan, and her take on this cuts straight through the noise:

“A lot of people are just too comfortable to change.”

That’s the uncomfortable truth.

You’re Not Actually Stuck, You’re Not Moving

This is the shift.

Most people aren’t stuck because they can’t move.

They’re stuck because they’re not taking action.

They’re thinking.
They’re analyzing.
They’re waiting.

But they’re not doing anything differently.

“Most people just don’t take action.”

And nothing changes until something does.

You’re Waiting for Clarity Instead of Creating It

This is one of the biggest traps.

You think:

Once I know what I want, I’ll move.

But that’s not how it works.

Clarity doesn’t come before action.

It comes from it.

“I think people overestimate how ready you’re supposed to feel before you do something.”

Trying things.
Exploring options.
Seeing what actually fits.

If you’re waiting to feel certain first, you’ll stay in the same place.

If that’s where you are, it connects directly to What Actually Matters at Your First Job?, because that’s the exact moment most people get stuck in.

You’re Optimizing for Comfort, Not Growth

This is where people get caught.

Your life is:

Stable
Predictable
Comfortable

And that feels safe.

But it also keeps you in the same place.

Growth usually requires:

Discomfort
Uncertainty
Change

Research from Psychology Today shows that people often avoid change even when they’re unhappy because uncertainty feels more uncomfortable than dissatisfaction.

That’s why people stay stuck longer than they should.

You’re Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else

This makes everything worse.

You see:

People getting promoted
People switching jobs
People moving forward

And you feel behind.

But you’re comparing your internal uncertainty to someone else’s external progress.

That’s not a fair comparison.

You Haven’t Defined What “Moving Forward” Means for You

This is a big one.

You feel stuck…

But you don’t actually know what “unstuck” looks like.

More money?
A different role?
More freedom?

If you don’t define it, you can’t move toward it.

That’s why clarity starts with direction.

Not a full plan.

Just a sense of what you want more of.

You’re Not Taking Small Steps

This is where momentum starts.

Not with a big decision.

With small actions.

A conversation
An application
A new idea

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that taking small, consistent actions reduces overwhelm and increases progress in uncertain situations.

That’s how you break the feeling.

You Might Be in the Wrong Environment

This is something people overlook.

Sometimes it’s not you.

It’s where you are.

Limited growth
No opportunity
No path forward

You can do everything right and still feel stuck.

If you’re starting to question that, it connects directly to How Do I Know When to Leave My Job?, because that’s the decision that comes next.

You’re Avoiding Risk

This is usually at the center of it.

Not because you don’t want more.

Because taking a step feels risky.

What if it doesn’t work?
What if I regret it?
What if I mess it up?

So you stay.

Even when you know it’s not right.

“If you’re not willing to fail, you’re not willing to grow.”

If that’s what’s holding you back, it connects directly to Is It Better to Focus on Your Career or Dating in Your 20s?, because that’s the real barrier.

You Expect It to Happen Faster Than It Does

This is another part of it.

You think:

I should be further along
I should have it figured out
I should feel more certain

But careers don’t move in straight lines.

They build.

Over time.
Through decisions.
Through adjustments.

Insights from Harvard Business Review show that early career growth is often nonlinear, even for high performers.

And Here’s The Thing

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing.

It means you’re at a point where something needs to change.

The difference between people who stay stuck and people who move forward is simple:

They take action.

Not perfect action.
Not fully planned action.
Just action.

Because you don’t get unstuck by thinking more.

You get unstuck by moving.

FAQ

Why do I feel stuck in my career in my 20s?
Usually because you’re not taking action, waiting for clarity, or staying in a comfortable situation.

Is it normal to feel stuck early in your career?
Yes. It’s a common part of figuring things out.

How do I get unstuck in my career?
Take small, consistent actions that move you forward.

Should I leave my job if I feel stuck?
Not immediately, but you should start exploring other options.

How long does it take to figure out your career?
It’s an ongoing process, not a one-time decision.