Feeling Stuck in Your Procurement Career? Here’s What’s Really Going on and How to Move Forward

You’re smart. You’re experienced. You’ve built a solid career in procurement.

But lately, something feels off.

Maybe you’re not feeling excited anymore. Maybe you’re drained, frustrated or stuck in your head, wondering what’s next. You’re not alone. Many procurement professionals come to me saying the same thing:

“I’m stuck in my career, but I don’t know what to do about it.”

It’s one of the most common challenges I hear as a procurement career coach. And it’s more normal than you think.

Sometimes that stuck feeling creeps in gradually. Other times it hits hard. Either way, staying in your career comfort zone when it no longer fits can slowly erode your confidence, clarity and career momentum.

I know what it’s like to be lying awake at night, night after night, questioning your next move. It’s exhausting and stressful, and doesn’t help you to intentionally move forward.

And here’s something most people don’t realise:

Moving forward doesn’t always mean moving on.

Sometimes it’s about finding new clarity, energy and enjoyment in the role you’re already in.

Why Procurement Professionals Get Stuck in Their Career

You’ve worked hard to get to where you are. You’ve built credibility and delivered strong results. But now something has changed.

Maybe it’s your role. Maybe it’s your company. Maybe it’s how you feel about work altogether. It’s unsettling, especially when things still look “fine” on the outside.

Through years of procurement career coaching and recruitment, I’ve seen that feeling stuck rarely means a lack of skill. Most of the time, it means you've outgrown where you are and you're ready for more clarity, alignment and growth.

Sometimes that means making a career change.
Other times, it means reconnecting with what you enjoy, making intentional tweaks, and elevating your current experience.

Common Signs You’re Stuck at Work

This isn’t just about disliking your job. It runs deeper than that.

Here’s how I often see it show up:

• You feel bored, demotivated or frustrated, but can’t quite pinpoint why
• You check job boards out of habit but don’t take action
• You rework your CV repeatedly but don’t send it
• You keep saying, “Now’s not the right time”
• You’ve got tabs open for job applications, but no real plan
• You feel invisible at work or uncertain about your next move

You might even be telling yourself you should be grateful to have a job.
But deep down, you know you’re not using your full potential anymore.

Why Staying in Your Comfort Zone Holds You Back

Staying in a role that no longer fits might feel safe. But over time, it starts to chip away at your confidence and energy.

These are the comfort zones I see most often:

• Avoiding networking unless you’re actively job hunting
• Hesitating to update LinkedIn because of what others might think
• Struggling with self-promotion or articulating your value
• Avoiding conversations that could create opportunities
• Putting off career coaching or support until things get “really bad”

The truth is this: growth feels uncomfortable at first.
But it’s where all the good stuff happens.
Your career won’t grow if you keep playing small or waiting for clarity to magically appear.

What’s the Cost of Staying Stuck?

You might think doing nothing is safer than taking a risk. But staying stuck has a cost. Professionally, emotionally and financially.

Here’s what it often leads to:

• Missed opportunities that never even reached your inbox
• Lower energy and motivation that spreads beyond work
• Quiet erosion of your confidence and self-belief
• Reduced visibility in your network or organisation
• Delayed fulfilment and progress that holds you back long term

Staying still doesn’t keep you safe. It keeps you stagnant.

How to Get Unstuck in Your Procurement Career

You don’t have to make a dramatic leap to move forward. You just need to start.
Here are a few small but powerful steps that make a difference.

Redefine What Career Success Means to You Now

Success evolves. Ask yourself:

What do I want more of in my career?
What am I ready to let go of?

Be honest about what no longer fits and what you’d love to experience instead.
This reflection alone often helps people uncover how they can reignite their current role or environment.

Notice What Energises You (And What Doesn’t)

Track what gives you energy at work and what drains you.
Your next move should build on what lights you up. Not just what looks good on paper.

Even small shifts in focus, responsibility or mindset can reignite a role that’s lost its spark.

Position Yourself Before You Think You’re Ready

Update your LinkedIn profile so it reflects where you want to go.
Reconnect with people in your network. Visibility is powerful, whether you’re staying or exploring options.

Looking for support here? Download my free Proven Procurement CV Checklist to get started.

Create a Job Search Strategy, Not Just Activity

Applying for as many roles as possible without direction leads to burnout.
Build a focused, intentional plan that aligns with your strengths, values and goals.

This is how driven procurement professionals stand out in a more competitive job market.

Get the Right Support

If you’ve been stuck for a while, it’s likely not just about needing a new job.
It’s about needing a new perspective, new tools and new energy.

Whether you want to make a change or simply elevate your experience where you are, the right career coaching can help you unlock clarity and momentum either way.

Ready to Move Forward With Confidence?

You don’t have to stay stuck or try to figure it out alone.
If you're tired of second-guessing and want to feel clear, confident and excited about your future again, whether that’s in a new role or a renewed one, let’s talk.

If you’re ready to explore working together book your free Career Momentum Call
Download your free  Proven Procurement CV Checklist to start taking action today
Or explore how we can work together via my Work With Me page

Your career doesn’t always need a full reset.
Sometimes it just needs a rethink.