Closet Clean-Outs and Career Pivots: What the Sunk Cost Theory Is Really Costing You

You’re Not Stuck. You’re Just Overdue for a Closet (and Career) Clean-Out.

Let’s kick things off with a hot take: You’re not stuck at your job. You’ve outgrown it.

I know, that might feel like a gut punch—but it also might be the match you didn’t know you needed. Because here's the truth: Staying in a job that no longer fits, just because you invested so much into getting there, is a lot like keeping a pair of jeans that no longer serve you. (You know the ones—they cost a lot, used to fit great, but now? Total butt crack risk.)

That, my friend, is sunk cost theory in action.

If It Doesn’t Support Who You’re Becoming, It Doesn’t Belong.

Recently, I went on a ruthless closet purge. Gone were the leggings that never really fit. Donated were the designer jeans I used to love but hadn’t worn in years. Why? Because I realized if I can't grab it in the dark and feel confident, it doesn't belong in my drawer.

And the same goes for your career.

If your job doesn't support the woman you're becoming-if it drains your energy, steals your creativity, and silences your voice-it doesn't belong in your life anymore. You’re not lazy. You’re not burnt out. You’re just misaligned.

When the Whisper Turns into a Shout

At first, the misalignment is subtle. You drag your feet on emails. You skip your Pilates class to attend a work potluck you secretly dread. You scroll instead of speak up.

But ignore that whisper long enough, and it becomes a shout.

Suddenly, you’re snapping at your partner, tuning out your kids, and wondering, "How did I get here?" It’s not because you’re doing something wrong. It’s because you’re still holding on to something just because it cost you a lot to get.

Sound familiar?

Your Past Self Got You Here. Now It’s Your Turn to Get You There.

Let’s pause for a gratitude moment: The version of you who got that degree, built that career, climbed that ladder? She’s a rockstar. Celebrate her. But she didn’t work this hard so you could stay in a job that no longer lights you up.

You get to want more. You get to change your mind. And yes—you get to leave, even if your job has benefits others would envy.

You don’t owe your past self forever. You owe your present self a life that fits.

Time for the Life Upgrade You Actually Want

You don’t have to burn it all down. You just need to stop clinging to what you’ve outgrown so you can finally reach for what is actually yours. That passion project? That dream business? That version of you who feels like she’s wearing the perfect jeans?

She’s already here.

Ready to clean out the closet and claim the career that fits?

That’s exactly why I created Exit Plan: a step-by-step coaching experience for the woman who knows she’s ready to pivot but isn’t sure how. You don’t have to burn it all down, but you do deserve to build something that lights you up. If you’re craving a way out (and a way into something better), Exit Plan is your roadmap. Let’s make your next move your best one yet.

👉 Learn more about Exit Plan here.

🔥 If this blog stirred something in you… the podcast will light it all the way up.
Head over to Episode 80 of the What If Podcast for the real talk on sunk costs, brave pivots, and the energy shift that comes when you finally let go.