What to Do When Your Career Feels Stuck: Invest in Yourself, Stay Intentional, and Build the Right Network

Work doesn’t feel the way it used to. Between new tech, changing expectations, and the constant pressure to keep up, a lot of people—even those who look successful on paper—are quietly wondering what’s next. In fact, recent workforce studies suggest a large share of employees feel disengaged or uncertain about their next move, despite appearing to have it all together. It’s not uncommon to feel stuck or unsure about your direction right now. And that tension matters: stay where you are too long, and you risk outgrowing your role; move too quickly, and you might step into something that doesn’t fit either.So what should you actually do when you feel stuck? Is it about making a bold leap, or refining your direction with intention and strategy?On this episode of Beyond the Ledger, hosted by Troy Ashby, the conversation dives deep into that very question. Joined by Andrea Carter, founder of Carter Growth, the episode explores how professionals can navigate career inflection points, align purpose with opportunity, and build momentum when progress feels stalled.What You’ll Learn…The 25-Year Career Question That Changed EverythingBuilding a Career at EYWhy Andrea Didn’t Plan to Become a PartnerTaking Risks and Changing Career PathsThe Inflection Point After 25 YearsStarting Carter Growth from ScratchThe Reality of Building a BusinessNetworking That Actually WorksCommon Organizational ChallengesWhy Strategy Fails Without ExecutionAI: From Ideas to ActionFinding Purpose in NonprofitsJoining the Center for Nonprofit ManagementAdvice for Career TransitionsAndrea Carter is a growth-focused executive and operator with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations turn vision into execution. She’s the founder of Carter Growth and has spent her career driving business transformation, operational efficiency, and scalable growth across private, nonprofit, and middle-market organizations.Andrea previously served as a Partner at EY, where she led high-impact initiatives across industries and helped generate over $50 million in new consulting revenue. She’s also taken on leadership roles as a fractional COO and now serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Nonprofit Management, continuing her work supporting mission-driven organizations and community impact.Known for her ability to step into complex environments and create clarity, Andrea is passionate about building organizations that grow with purpose. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of four, a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan, and makes time for a few trips to Napa each year.