Alice You’ve Changed. Move On Already

Remember that moment in Alice in Wonderland when Alice eats the magic cake and grows too big for the room? She’s trapped, uncomfortable, and has no space to stretch out. It’s only after some magical shrinking that she manages to fit back into her surroundings. But is that really a solution, or just a temporary fix?

Now, think about your own life. Have you ever felt like Alice, suddenly too big for the room you’re in? Maybe it’s your job, your environment, or even the people around you. You’ve grown, evolved, and now you’re crammed into a space that just doesn’t fit anymore. But instead of finding a new room, a BIGGER room that matches your new size, you might find yourself reaching for that “magic cake” to shrink back down and fit in again.

In my last blog, Negotiate the work you want, we went through how to arm yourself with specific negotiation superpowers. But sometimes, no matter how well you persuade, you’ve simply outgrown the environment you’re in. When that happens, it’s time to make a tough decision: stay small or find a bigger room where you can grow.

We’ve all been there—so comfortable in our routines that the idea of change feels hard and tiring. You might have been doing the same job for years, and the thought of applying for something new makes you break out in a cold sweat. The amount of times I have heard, “This is all I’ve ever done; I don’t know how to do anything else”? You are not alone, but let me tell you, that’s just a story you’re telling yourself now. And since you’re the author of your story, you can change the next chapter whenever you want. Exciting right?

Instead of shrinking like Alice to fit into the room, why not find a room that fits you—a room that matches your ambitions, your vision, and your capabilities? Yes, the unknown can be daunting, but that’s where the magic happens.

So, what’s next? It’s time to get serious about what you want. Where do you want to be? What do you want to do? How much do you want to earn? And most importantly, what are you willing to sacrifice to get there? The road ahead may not be easy, but nothing worth having ever is. Also a little secret, the initial discomfort doesn't last forever, nothing does!

I’ve been where you are. I’ve walked away from roles and companies I loved because I knew I’d hit the ceiling. Despite my best negotiating efforts, I realised there was no more room to grow—no more opportunities to expand my position, my experience, or my compensation. The role no longer aligned with my vision and goals, so I took the leap. I left behind the comfort of what I knew and dived into the new. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

Some of these companies had great cultures, and I truly loved my job. But when I reached a point where I couldn’t see a path to progress, I knew I had to move on. I wanted more, and deep down, I knew I was capable of more.

You are capable of more too. Your skills are transferable, and your potential is limitless. Don’t settle for living the same day for 50 years and calling that a life. Embrace the change, challenge yourself, and dive into that new pond. And when you do, take action quickly. Most of the people you admire were once in your position. The difference is, while you’re meticulously planning your next move, they made quick decisions and took big actions. They may have failed multiple times before succeeding, but they’ve learned, lived, and progressed while you were still thinking.

Who knows? That new room might be exactly where you were meant to be all along.