In the world of work, stability often feels like the ultimate goal.

A steady job, predictable responsibilities, and long-term security. These are the things we’ve been taught to value. But what if this comfort is actually holding you back from reaching your full potential? Think about it for a minute...regardless of your own situation, without judgement or bias. Makes sense doesn't it?

That’s the tricky thing about the "comfort trap"—it feels safe, but it may in fact be silently stalling your career growth.

Psychologically, humans are hardwired to seek comfort; we’ve been designed that way to keep us safe. The brain actively prefers predictability over uncertainty because it equates familiarity with safety. It made sense when we were living in caves hiding from lions, but these days not so much! In the professional world, this translates to sticking with a job we know inside out, even if it no longer excites or challenges us.

**Now here comes my disclaimer. Before I continue, I want to say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with:

• Staying exactly where you are
• Having an ‘employer for life’
• Being happy at the level you’re at and never wanting to ‘progress’ (and I’ve given that word these little guys ‘’ because I mean a certain definition of progression)
• Finding genuine enjoyment and happiness from feeling competent and secure

In this blog, I am exploring the reasons why, in some cases, people are finding that their career has stagnated and the desire for 'comfort' is the culprit.

Moving on…

For the accountants we talk to, the comfort trap often manifests as:

• Routine over challenge: Doing the same tasks without exploring new areas of expertise
• Fear of failure: Avoiding risks that could lead to failure or discomfort
• Identity tied to stability: Defining success by the length of tenure rather than personal or professional growth

These are normal feelings. But if we’re not careful, they can keep us stuck in roles that no longer serve us. Recognising these patterns is the first step to breaking free (cue Freddie)...

Let me tell you about Sarah, a Chartered Accountant who stayed with the same firm for over a decade. Her job was secure, and she knew the ropes inside out. But over time, she felt... bored. "I realised I was just going through the motions," she admitted. Often, she was paralysed by the fear of doing the ‘wrong’ thing: “I was too scared to join a new company and I know the grass isn’t always greener. I was happy with my lot, until I wasn’t”.

After much soul-searching, she took a leap and joined a smaller, fast-paced consultancy. The transition wasn’t easy - there were new systems to learn and higher expectations to meet. But within a year, Sarah had progressed into a senior leadership role and felt more fulfilled than ever. The discomfort she’d feared turned out to be the spark she needed to reignite her career. She realised that she was SO good at her job, her previous employer had actively looked for ways to keep her stuck there – the basic annual increases, the reassuring “I have no idea what we’d do without you” etc etc. But when it came to new challenges, everyone else seemed to be pushing forward and she remained the, dare I say it…’steady Eddie”!

Then there’s Tom who worked in the energy industry. Tom’s role was stable but he realised his growth had plateaued. He had no aspirations for senior leadership, he loved the ‘doing’ bit of the job more than managing people, and the only opportunities presented to him internally for progression involved managing staff. So, he stayed where he was, mumped and moaned about being unhappy, but took three years to actually do anything about it. We supported him with a move to a much smaller, innovative technology company where his ‘doing’ was truly valued. Yes it was a challenge; in fact a few weeks in he felt completely out of his depth and thought he’d made a mistake (he genuinely believed he wasn’t good enough). But, he got his head down, developed new skills and took on strategic projects. Now, Tom’s on track for the FD role he never thought he wanted!

These stories have a common thread: growth happens outside of your comfort zone. It’s the challenges and the risks we take that ultimately propel us forward.

Ask yourself these questions:

Am I still learning and growing?

Think about your day-to-day work - are you developing new skills, or just repeating the same tasks? If you feel like you’ve hit a plateau, it might be a sign you’re stuck.

Do I feel challenged?

Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. If everything feels easy, you might be missing out on valuable opportunities to stretch yourself.

When was the last time I took a risk?

If you can’t remember, ask yourself why. Are you avoiding change because it’s scary? That’s a sign you might be in the comfort trap.

Does my current role align with my long-term goals?

Sometimes we stay in a job because it’s safe, not because it’s helping us get where we want to go. Take a step back and think about your big-picture goals. Is this role helping you reach them?

Am I motivated by fear or by opportunity?

Staying put because you’re afraid of the unknown is a clear sign of the comfort trap. Real growth comes from pursuing opportunities, even when they feel risky.

So, what do you do if you realise you’re stuck in the comfort trap? Here are a few steps to get you moving (resisting the urge to say “talk to us”…well, almost resisting):

Set clear career goals

Take some time to think about what you want to achieve in the next three to five years. Does your current role support those goals? If not, it might be time to look for something new.

Seek out challenges

You don’t necessarily have to change jobs to grow. Look for ways to stretch yourself in your current role—take on a new project, mentor someone, or propose an improvement. Talk to your employer, we cannot stress this enough! (See Andrew’s recent video on LinkedIn and Instagram on this very subject)

Network and explore

Sometimes, just talking to others in your industry can open your eyes to new possibilities. Attend events, join professional groups, and have conversations with peers. If this scares you, read our blog "Who Are You?"

Consider working with a recruiter

OK, we had to get this in somewhere didn’t we. A good recruiter can help you find roles that align with your goals and challenge you. A good recruiter wont offer a scattergun approach and start bombarding you with every vacancy they have. They should know the market, should provide deep and honest insight into the employers and opportunities to help you reach your specific goals, and will support you along the way to navigate a move with confidence.

Keep learning

Whether it’s a new certification, a course, or a workshop, continuous learning keeps you sharp and (dare we say) marketable. Plus, it builds your confidence to tackle new challenges. Never underestimate the power of a confidence boost!

Embrace the discomfort!

Stability is comforting, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of growth and fulfilment.

The comfort trap might feel safe, but it will keep you from reaching your full potential and who wants that? By recognising the signs, and taking steps to make real change, you can open up new opportunities you never imagined.

Your next career move might (and probably should in fact) feel uncomfortable - but it could also be the most rewarding step you take.

So, are you ready to step out of the comfort trap and take control of your future?

Becca