Micro Moves to Escape Your Job Without a Freak Out

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Joel Dietz, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

I’ve known many people throughout my working life who’ve hated their job, but did nothing about it.
And if “hate” is too strong a word, it’s safe to say they’d become resigned about their own ambivalence. Yammering about all the annoyances to friends and family who all know nothing is going to change. Feeling paralyzed about initiating a change is endemic among those dreaming of a new career or a job change.

Here’s why!

•"I’m already so exhausted by my current job, I have no energy for anything beyond wine with a screw cap."

•"It’s been so long since I made a change that I’m behind the curve on training, skills, and achievements. I have nothing fresh to brag about."

•"The idea of networking makes me queasy. Besides, Season 2 of Severance is streaming now."
“It’s not that bad. Really, it could be way worse. I don’t mind what I do.”

“The job market is horrible right now. All I see on LinkedIn is recruiters ghosting candidates, thousands of applications for any job, and fake postings that disappear or never get filled. This is the worst time to make a change.”

When feeling stuck in a job or a career choice, we tend to imagine getting unstuck requires something akin to walking barefoot through a nest of snakes. A big swing isn’t required. Finding the kind of inspiration that creates a masterpiece is not necessary. Small and simple steps, over any period of time you choose, can move you forward.

Here are 10 micro moves to start breaking free from paralysis and create new professional possibilities.

1. Put Your Thoughts & Feelings into Writing

Gag, I know. Seriously, but it works. I’m not going to list all the peer-reviewed studies that support the efficacy of journaling in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving mental health. You can do that if you’re really curious. Take 2 minutes each day to write down your frustrations about your current job. Be truthful about cons (and pros, even if it’s only your direct deposit.) Supposedly, writing on paper is more effective for journaling than digital. My handwriting is horrible, but I can type 70 words per minute. If ever I should need to be journaling, trust me I’ll have LOTS to say.

2. Identify One Career Interest to Explore

No one figures out their whole future in one sitting, or even seven. Pick one thing that prompts even the tiniest bit of curiosity, then spend a few minutes (not hours) exploring it. A role, an industry, a skill, a job function. If nothing comes to mind, read up on a job that someone you know loves doing. It’s not solely about the content. Doing so redirects your headspace from paralysis to potential.

3. Follow Six People on LinkedIn in One or More Fields You Might Like

Go to LinkedIn and follow six professionals working in a role or industry that interests you. Focus on their content, the words they choose, and the steps of their experience. This passive action starts building awareness of what’s out there, any of which could inspire your own gradual movement.

4. Update Just One Part of Your Resume or LinkedIn Profile

Rather than remastering your entire resume in one massive project, update a single section. Maybe it’s your most recent job. Maybe it’s a professional summary that tells your career story. Maybe it’s brainstorming some measurable achievements from past jobs that you never thought to list. This tiny action makes it easier to continue with other sections of your resume later. The idea of applying for jobs gets less overwhelming and your thinking redirects toward a possible transition.

5. Connect with One Recruiter, Hiring Manager, or a Career Coach

Talk with someone who specializes in career transitions to gain ideas and clarity. If you were pondering a new home, then visiting open houses, chatting with a realtor, and scrolling through Zillow would be natural actions to take. Send a single LinkedIn message or email to a recruiter, leader, or coach, asking for a short chat about your situation. You don’t need to commit to anything. Just put on those weird, disposable booties and peek inside the foyer.

6. Set Up a Job Alert for Any Job Titles of Curiosity

You’re not committing. You’re learning and investigating. You can swap out the job titles any time, but reading the postings in your Inbox will help you better consider whether the content and requirements of a particular career or role captures your interest or sends you back to the drawing board. Worst case, you’ll at least learn intel that may be helpful to someone else you know.

7. Learn Something New Daily, Especially AI

Over the holidays, I wanted to make a crab and artichoke dip that could be modified to be lactose free and make use of spinach instead of frozen artichokes (which were inexplicably sold out everywhere.) After 10 minutes of Googling for a suitable recipe, I had ChatGPT create one to my specs. I followed it precisely (and it was pretty darned good.) That led to my experimenting with AI for many more use cases. One favorite attempt: “What are the pros/cons of retiring in Portugal vs Spain as an American expat? Include tables with residency requirements and comparative cost of living data.” When I talk to people about how they use AI, those not leaning in generally haven’t considered how they might use it. Playing with AI in a low-key experimental way is just one example of learning something new as a baby step toward getting out of career paralysis. Also…your new skill doesn’t need to be using AI. New software. Español. Digital Marketing. Birthing giraffe calves. Just pick one new talent that could be useful in a future job and invest 10 minutes daily. Where might it lead? If nothing else, you can be an even bigger smartypants at dinner. If you’re resisting getting comfortable with AI, make a game of it. Play is still the most effective form of learning. Heck, just ask ChatGPT “In what way is play an effective learning strategy?” (Hint, also ask “What is andragogy.”)

8. Reach Out to 1 Person in Your Network

Text or call a former coworker, friend, professor, or boss. Get curious about THEM. Find out what’s new and interesting in THEIR lives. No talk about your career dissatisfaction. This is about getting back in touch. Do this again a few days later. Then again. At some point you may be more serious about making a move. Having an active connection and dialogue with others makes it much more natural when you later reach out for networking and referrals. Who knows, you might learn something interesting about them. Then, do this again a week later.

9. Brainstorm What You Want Next (Even If You’re Not Entirely Sure)

Don’t edit or overanalyze. Just brainstorm and make a list. This is much more fun than obsessing about the things you loathe in your current work. Get thinking about what you would ideally want next. If you don’t know what kind of role or title you’d target, that’s fine. How far would you be willing to commute? And to what part of town? What kind of tasks would you enjoy day to day? Are you open to being an individual contributor vs. a manager/leader? What are your pay requirements? Instead of dwelling on what you hate about your current job, list what you want in your next one. Think about organization size, culture, duties, and benefits. There’s no need to decide on anything. This is just about getting curious.

10. Gift Yourself Permission to Make Only Micro Moves

Moving forward doesn’t require committing to big swings or decisions. Meaningful progress can me made incrementally. Baby steps. Make room for this kind of progress. The all-or-nothing mentality traps you where you’ll stay.

A simple mindset shift can end the stasis. Allow it.

Copyright © 2025 Orange Door LLC. All Rights Reserved.