“I don’t fit into my role anymore.” A public sector leader said this to me recently.
“On paper, everything looks fine. The salary is not great, but the benefits are ok and the stability is much better than in other sectors. But I feel like I’m pretending.
I push myself to show up the way I used to – positively, enthusiastically, can-do attitude. But it doesn’t come naturally to me anymore. I can’t imagine doing this for the next 5, let alone 10 years. I feel like I’ve plateaued.”
And then they said something that really stayed with me:
“I want to feel inspired again. I want work where I can bring my full self to the table. Where I can use my strengths, do good work and see the impact I’m having. Is that too much to ask?”
If you’re listening to this and something in you is saying, “That’s me…”
Then this episode is for you.
How Public Sector Leaders Create a Career That’s Tailor-Made for Them
For many experienced public sector leaders, the challenge isn’t capability – it’s fit.
You’ve grown. Your values have evolved. Your energy, your priorities, your life outside of work – everything has moved on.
But your role? Often… hasn’t.
Or maybe the work environment has changed. More politicised. Being asked to do more with less again, now that we’ve got AI.
And so you end up in this uncomfortable space where: You can do the job. You’re expected to do the job. But it no longer feels like you.
And that disconnect is exhausting.
From “Finding a Job” to Designing a Fit
Most people approach career change by asking: “What job should I do next?” But that question is too narrow.
Instead, what if you asked:
“What would a role look like that actually fits who I am now?
And how I want to evolve in future?”
Because a truly satisfying career isn’t found. It’s designed.
One of the most powerful ways to start designing that fit is to get clear on your core and professional values.
The values that you choose to be the drivers behind your decisions – for your career and your life.
When I first did this work myself, I realised something surprising. Integrity and service were core for me (no shock there!).
But what really shaped my career choices was something else: Independence. The ability to choose how I think, work, and contribute. And once I saw that clearly, it became obvious why certain roles felt constraining.
So here’s a question for you: What are your non-negotiables now? In the way you want to work, the environment you thrive in, and the kind of impact you want to have.
Because when those aren’t met, no role will feel sustainable.
Finding Your Sweet Spot Is a Process
You don’t figure this out once – and you’re done. Finding your “sweet spot” is a process.
There will be trial and error. Moments where you think, “Maybe I should just do what everyone else is doing…”
Or you find yourself drawn to something that looks impressive. But doesn’t actually fit your life or energy. That’s normal.
The key is not to abandon the process. But to stay curious.
What Does Your Ideal Career Actually Look Like?
There is no one “ideal” career. For some, it’s high-impact, fast-paced, visible leadership. For others, it’s meaningful work with clear boundaries, flexibility, and space for life outside of work. Both are valid.
The question is not: “What looks good?” But: “What works for you, at this stage of your life?”
One of the reasons many public sector leaders feel stuck is that they only see a narrow set of options. Based on job titles. On what’s “expected next.” On what feels safe.
But your experience is far more flexible than that. Your skills, strengths, and interests can be used in ways you haven’t considered yet.
And this is where many of my clients have their biggest breakthroughs. When they stop trying to “fit into” existing roles and start exploring how to shape something around themselves.
If you want a starting point, try this. Reflect on your past roles and ask:
- Where did I feel restricted or out of alignment?
- Where did I have to hide parts of myself?
- What drained me, even if I was good at it?
Because those moments point directly to your future design criteria.
A tailor-made career isn’t about escaping your past. It’s about integrating it – on your terms. Taking your experience, your strengths, your values, your life context… and shaping something that actually fits.
Invitation: If You Want Structured Support
Now, if you’re listening to this and thinking: “I don’t want to figure this out on my own…”
This is exactly the work I do inside my 5-month ‘Find Your Career Space’ programme
It’s designed specifically for public sector leaders like you, who want to move from feeling stuck and uncertain… to having clear, aligned, and realistic career options.
We work through these 4-steps together:
1. Count the Cost of the Status Quo
You get honest about what’s no longer working and why change matters now.
We’ll look at the toll it’s taking to remain and what’s keeping you from taking a smart leap.
You’ll uncover your deepest fears and think out loud about any and all dream scenarios.
You’ll take agency and decide to intentionally design your next career phase.
2. Shift from Paralysed to Energised
We’ll identify who you are now and how you want to evolve your contribution to the world.
You’ll discover specifics about the environment you prefer to operate in.
You’ll know your deal breakers and must haves for a more satisfying work experience.
3. Envision Possible Futures & Get Active
You expand your options and test ideas in the real world.
We’ll name your transferable strengths, skills, talents and experience.
You’ll open up to those you trust about your plans to make a shift.
You’ll rewrite your story, reclaim your voice and reimagine your livelihood and purpose.
4. Design Your Next Bold Career Move
We create a smart, grounded transition strategy, so you can move forward with confidence.
We’ll assess the best resources, influential people and connections for your path.
You’ll navigate uncertainty by testing options and trying our interim solutions.
You’ll trust yourself and the process guided by a smart strategy and transition steps.
This isn’t about quitting your job tomorrow.
It’s about taking the time and making space to create a thoughtful, aligned transition, without burning bridges or risking everything.
I currently have one spot available to start working together. So if this resonates, I invite you to apply.
We’ll start with a free Discovery Call to explore whether this is the right fit – for both of us.
You can find all the details on the ‘Work-With-Yvonne’ page on my website: spacetoshiftyourcareer.com
You don’t have to settle for a role that only fits on paper. Instead, create something that fits you.
I invite you to ask yourself: “What would a career look like that truly works for me now?”
Until next time: make space, rediscover YOU, and then take action.