Over the summer, I surveyed readers of my blog and I wanted to give you some of the results.  This reader survey was all about me getting to know you all better and really figuring out what your challenges, frustrations, hopes, and dreams were. And it was eye-opening, because I realized that I have most of the same fears, frustrations, and desires that you all have.  I guess that’s why you read my blog 🙂

I have plenty of posts planned this year that are going to tackle some of your challenges and questions. I had over 100 responses to this survey so THANK YOU! Since I decided not to go with multiple choice this year and just let you write in your answers, it is harder to summarize for you.

So, I am going to give you the most common answers to the questions instead.  The answers I saw over and over again.

I thought it would be interesting for you to see the responses from other professional women just like you. If you didn’t take the survey back in June, I would recommend writing down your answers to the questions before you even read the other responses.

Feel free to send me an email if there is a specific fear or frustration that you want me to tackle on the blog this year.  For now, the below answers will keep me focused on helping you but I am always looking for more great ideas!

Question 1: What are your biggest fears & frustrations with your career?

• Not moving up into position of leadership or supervision and failure. My biggest fear is that I won’t progress any further. No mobility for my future. Not being able to move up the ladder. Staying stagnant and not reaching goals. (MOST COMMON ANSWER)

• Not being challenged and not knowing the best way to advance my personal growth.

• I’m scared I won’t be any good at managing others.

• Settling for a comfortable gig instead of following a dream.

• Working with inefficient and inadequate people and energy zapping bosses.  Office gossip and backstabbing co-workers.

• Working in a male-dominated field.

• Balancing all of my responsibilities (family and career).

• Lack of confidence.

• Low salary and job security.

• Not living up to my full potential.

• I am not taken seriously.

Question 2: What problems are these fears & frustrations causing in your life?

• Stress and anxiety (MOST COMMON ANSWER)

• Worry, burnout and fatigue

• Boredom

• Unfulfilled, unhappy, frustration and dissatisfied

• Not having enough money to pay my bills

• Feeling stuck.

• Lack of motivation

• Health problems related to stress

• Insecurity

• Strain on family

• Irritability

• Discontent

• Self-doubt

Question 3:  What are your biggest desires for your career?

• To be a successful leader and help others realize their potential.

• Doing something that makes me feel like it matters if I come to work.

• To do work I love that is meaningful and make a difference. (MOST COMMON ANSWER)

• To be fulfilled and challenged.

• To be recognized at work.

• To be successful in a leadership role where I can make a difference and help others feel good about themselves.

• To be the best at what I do and become an expert in my field.

• To grow in my current position and company and make more money to provide for my family.

• To fulfill what I was put on this earth to do.  To help people.

• To reach my maximum potential.

• To be able to wear suits. (THIS WAS MY FAVORITE ANSWER:)

As I said above, feel free to send me an email if there is a specific fear or frustration that you want me to tackle on the blog this year.  For now, the above answers will keep me focused on helping you but I am always looking for more great ideas!

I am looking forward to helping you tackle your fears and frustrations this year and helping you reach your career goals and desires!

What are your current fears, frustrations, and/or desires for your career?