December brings many of us to look back with the foot on the pedal into the new year. Refection is all the rage, especially at work. (How to write your year end evaluation here)

Constructive reflection —on our choices, accomplishments, frustrations, and future plans might bring about more questions about our roles and the companies that fill our 401ks.

What happens when you find yourself frustrated—by your role, the company culture, or even the way you’ve been compensated—and yet you remain? It’s a tricky space to navigate, but it’s one that offers an opportunity for Clarity. The question isn’t just why aren’t you leaving?—it’s also why are you staying?

Facing Frustrations, Know Why

We’ve all been there: the moments when work feels like a grind, the leadership is uninspiring, or the company’s direction doesn’t align with your values. These frustrations can build, leaving you wondering why you even bother showing up.

Instead letting frustration fester—focus your ideas on the gaps between your values and your work. Why you stay is just as important as why you might want to leave, and exploring this question can bring surprising distance from day to day upset.

Common Reasons People Stay

1. Financial Stability:
   Let’s start with the most practical reason. Perhaps the job offers the salary, benefits, or Security you need at this stage of your life. That’s not a cop-out—it’s a reality. Understanding that this job is fulfilling a financial need helps you reframe your situation as a choice, not a trap.

2. Fear of Change:
   Change is hard, especially when stepping into the unknown. If fear is the reason, that’s worth exploring. Are you afraid of risk or failure? Are you unsure of what you want next? Naming that fear can empower you to address it.

3. Connection to the Mission or Team:
   Sometimes, the frustration isn’t with the work itself—it’s with the surrounding environment. But maybe you love your colleagues or see potential for Growth. That can be worth holding onto.

4. Alignment with Bigger Goals:
   Staying might make sense because the role is a stepping stone. Perhaps you’re building experience, saving for a dream, or creating stability for your family. Knowing the long-term “why” can help you navigate short-term frustrations.

Reframing 2025

Refections to move from “stuck” to “intentional.”:

• What am I gaining by staying here?

• What actions & boundaries can I take to make this role work better for me?

• How does staying align with my long-term goals?

Planning Your Next Steps

If staying feels right for now:

• Identify one small change that could improve your experience.

• Set boundaries to protect your energy.

• Focus on the aspects of the job that bring you satisfaction.

Ending the Year with Clarity

Whether you’re staying or planning to leave, the key is to approach your decision with intentionality. Knowing why you’re staying doesn’t mean settling—it means owning your choice.

As we close out the year, I invite you to reflect deeply on your current situation. If you’re frustrated, acknowledge it. If you’re uncertain, give yourself grace. And if you’re ready to take action—whether it’s within your current role or beyond it—know that clarity is always the first step.

Here’s to stepping into the new year with purpose.

What are your reflections as the year ends? Let’s keep the conversation going.

Lynn Mull Holistic Career Coach & Author

Career Coach | Author | WellNess Advisor | Reiki Master
I offer Clarity through Reiki healing sessions, and Holistic Career Coaching and Facilitating Teams to professional wellness. I use various tools and methods to speak, write, and provide 1.1 counsel to move out of the stuck into the actions that help you or your teams reach their goals.I found my way because I had to create it.
As a working parent and a sandwich caregiver in my early 30s, I understand the pressures to keep going, provide for my family and prioritize everyone else’s wellbeing.

I looked in many corners and could not find one coach to break into my inner blockages and move my career until Reiki and a Career Coach got me there. We can be all the things to everyone, but first, we must get aligned and intuitively move forward for our own .