A lot of us know what it feels like to be stuck in a job that drains the life out of us. It’s not just boring, it’s soul-sucking. Every day you walk into that workspace, a part of you feels like it’s dying inside.
And you’re not alone in this. Many people have been in that exact spot for months, maybe even years. You feel trapped. And honestly, it makes sense, because you have bills to pay. That paycheck, however painful the job might be, is what keeps your life running. So walking away doesn’t feel like an option.
But I want to offer a different way to look at it. What if, instead of seeing this job as a dead end, you saw it as a launchpad?
You don’t have to stay stuck in a job that’s slowly draining life out of you. Even if you can’t quit today, there is something you can do. You can start using your current job as a stepping stone to the career you want, the one you daydream about, the one that energizes you just thinking about it.
So, let’s dive into the steps you can take that will move you toward that dream career.
1. Start with Perspective
If you have a job right now, a steady paycheck that allows you to cover your bills and meet your basic needs, you’re already in a position that many people only dream of. And that’s something worth acknowledging.
In a country like Kenya, where every year universities release hundreds of thousands of graduates into a job market that can’t absorb them all, employment is not guaranteed. Jobs are limited. And more often than not, the few opportunities that exist go to those with strong networks, boldness, or an edge that makes them stand out. The rest are left waiting, sometimes for years, with nothing happening.
So if you have a job, no matter how uninspiring it feels right now, understand this: you’re not stuck. You’re starting from a place of strength.
When you shift into this mindset of gratitude, not blind positivity, but real appreciation, you begin to see your situation differently. You stop fixating only on what’s wrong, and you start noticing what this job is giving you: stability, structure, and a platform you can build from.
Gratitude doesn’t mean settling. It just means seeing clearly. And from that clarity, new possibilities begin to emerge. That shift in perspective is the very first step toward building a more exciting, energizing, and purpose-filled career.
2. Recognize Your Stability and Build a Runway
Having a job means you have income. You’re going home every month with a paycheck. And while it might not be the kind of money you ultimately want, that steady income gives you something incredibly valuable: stability.
And stability is the foundation you need to build your dream.
Too often, we’re told to just “go for it” to quit our jobs and chase our dreams full throttle. I know this firsthand. After university, I tried doing exactly that. I jumped straight into pursuing my goals without any financial cushion. And very quickly, I learned how hard that path is.
When bills are piling up, when you need food, rent, transport, and other essentials, it’s nearly impossible to focus on your dreams. Survival mode kicks in. Every bit of mental energy goes into making ends meet, not building something bigger.
But when you have a job that pays you every month, even if it’s not perfect, it gives you breathing room. That peace of mind is what makes dreaming and planning even possible. It gives you the emotional and mental bandwidth to start making long-term moves, not just reacting to short-term problems.
That’s why your current paycheck is more than just money; it’s your launch pad.
So, how do you turn it into something powerful?
You start by building a financial runway.
A financial runway is a savings buffer, money set aside to cover your basic expenses for a certain period, ideally six months or more. For some, it might be one year, maybe even two. Whatever the timeframe, the goal is the same: give yourself the freedom to pursue your dream without constant financial stress.
You don’t need a miracle or a sponsor to build this. You need discipline. Start small. Save consistently. Cut unnecessary expenses. Live below your means for a season.
It might not feel glamorous now, but this is how you build the bridge from where you are to where you want to be. Your job funds your runway, and your runway gives you the courage to take off.
3. Double Down on Your Strengths
Once you start building your financial runway, you create space to take real steps toward your dream career. And the first step? Start by doubling down on your strengths, right where you are.
Even if you don’t love your current job as a whole, I’m willing to bet there are parts of it you actually enjoy, tasks that energize you, things you’re naturally good at. Maybe it’s solving tech issues, planning events, speaking in front of others, or organizing systems.
Identify those strengths and lean into them. Take initiative. Volunteer for tasks that align with what you do best. Look for opportunities, however small, that allow you to shine in that area. When something comes up that lights you up, raise your hand. Say yes.
Not only can this help you enjoy your job more, but it also makes you more visible. When you consistently bring positive energy and excellence to the work you enjoy, people take notice. And when new opportunities arise, inside or outside the company, you’ll be top of mind.
Good energy is magnetic. The more you show up with your strengths, the more doors begin to open. And that’s how momentum starts. One small move at a time.
4. Build Your Dream Career on the Side
Most of us have some free time in the evenings, after work, before bed. Instead of letting that time slip away, start using it with intention.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, working on a personal project, or creating content, invest that time in activities that align with your future goals.
Ask yourself: What do I need to do to become the person I want to be?
Do you need to
- Take a course?
- Complete a project?
- Start posting your work online?
Whatever it is, start now. Because every effort you make outside your 9–5 adds up. Over time, you’ll build a portfolio that showcases your skills, not just your qualifications. In today’s world, what you can do matters more than your certificate.
And just as important as building skills is networking.
If you want to be an event planner, talk to event planners. If your dream is content creation, connect with others already doing it. Don’t try to figure everything out alone; your growth will be slower. Ask questions. Learn from those ahead of you. Be curious.
And do it consistently, not just once and disappear. If you’re spending the next year or two building your financial runway, use that same time to build your professional runway too.
Grow your network in two directions: one within your current job, and another around your dream path. That way, when you’re ready to leap, you’ll have both the work and the support system to land smoothly.
5. Take the Leap
Finally, we get to the last step: taking the leap.
This comes after you’ve done the groundwork, i.e.,
- Shifted your mindset
- Maximized your current role
- Built your runway
- Sharpened your skills,
- Created a portfolio
- Grown your network.
Once you’ve laid this foundation, the next move is simple: go for it.
Trust your instincts. If a job offer in your dream field comes your way, or if your side hustle starts generating more income than your main job, or even if your passion starts to feel too strong to ignore, that’s your signal.
Don’t overthink it. Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. If the timing feels right and you’ve prepared, take the leap.
Yes, it’s a risk. But life is an adventure. And if your heart is in it, and you’ve done the work, the odds are already in your favor.
That said, also be realistic. Things might not unfold exactly as you imagined. You might face detours, delays, or even a few setbacks. And that’s okay. Every journey is different. Stay flexible. Stay grounded. Be willing to pivot if needed.
The key is to focus on the journey, not just the destination. Learn to fall in love with the process of becoming, of growing, evolving, and moving from where you are to where you’re meant to be. That’s where the real transformation happens.
If you’re in a job that frustrates you, but you dream of something more fulfilling, these steps can help you move forward with intention, clarity, and courage.