Are You Building a Dream—or Just Decorating a Cage

You’re a go-getter. You take the course. Update the resume. Join the networking group.
You’ve got a colour-coded planner, a decent title, and a LinkedIn profile that sounds solid—even impressive.

And yet… you still feel stuck. Trapped. Like you’re meant for something more, but no matter what you do, it never quite clicks.

If that’s you, here’s a tough-love question for you:
Are you building your dream career… or just decorating a really well-appointed cage?

The “I’ll Feel Ready When...” Trap

This shows up in smart, capable women all the time:

They feel restless. Underused. On the edge of something bigger.
But instead of making a bold move, they sign up for yet another course, go back to school, earn another credential, redo the website, tweak the résumé—for the fifth time.

Why? Because it feels like progress. Like preparation. Like control.
But often, it’s fear—masked as momentum.

Not fear of failure. Fear of what happens if they actually go for it.
Because deep down, they care. They want it to matter. And they want to get it right.

So they keep moving—but around the edges. And that next-level move they’re dreaming of? It quietly stays on hold.

What Decorating a Cage Looks Like

It’s subtle. Easy to miss—especially when it feels like you’re doing all the right things. Here's how it often shows up:

• You spend more time tweaking than actually taking bold action.

• You’re constantly upgrading around the dream (titles, tools, training) instead of pursuing it directly.

• You wait to feel “ready”—even though you already know you’re capable.

• You’ve outgrown the role but convince yourself it’s “fine for now.”

None of this means you’re off track. It just means you’re circling something that matters—something that’s asking for more from you now.

Look, I’m not anti-growth or self-improvement. I’m a lifelong learner myself. But I’ve also seen how often smart women stay in motion to avoid stepping into change.

And if your career is making you feel invisible, drained, or boxed in—it doesn’t matter how many upgrades you make. It’s still a cage.

Why This Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing It Wrong

I get it. I’ve seen it in so many of the leaders and professionals I coach—and yes, I’ve brushed up against it myself.

You can do everything “right.” Follow the script. Hit the milestones. Build the credentials. Lead big things.
And still feel like you’ve outgrown where you are—because you’re evolving. That’s a good thing!

That moment can feel disorienting though and sometimes pretty lonely.
But it’s also a signal: you’re ready for something more.

You don’t need to blow up your life or take a risk so big you that means you jeopardize your future.
But you do need to stop pretending this version of “success” is really still enough for you.

One Last Thing

If you’re decorating a cage right now, please don’t shame yourself for it. That cage once gave you stability. It helped you get here.

But now?
Now it’s time to build something that actually fits who you are—and where you’re headed.

You don’t need to be “better.” You’re not behind.
You just need one moment of courage.

And maybe a map.
I’ve got you!

With clarity, momentum, and a door wide open—
Carol