Getting a professional license is no easy task; it requires years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. With all of the effort required to obtain a professional license, it may seem crazy to suggest that some people—whether consciously or subconsciously—sabotage their own careers in a way that results in a suspended license. However, self-sabotage is common in professional fields and may have more to do with your actions (or inaction) than you think. Recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors and working to correct them can help you turn your situation around and will help you regain your professional license. The Lento Law Firm Team of nationwide attorneys are experienced in defending professionals at risk of losing their licenses and can help you protect your career and future.

What is Self-Sabotage in a Professional Setting?

Self-sabotage occurs when a person either deliberately or subconsciously hinders their own success and fails to achieve their goals because of a negative mindset. A person who self-sabotages often has a negative opinion of themselves, their value, and their contributions to their field of work. They are plagued by self-esteem problems and may feel like they don't deserve to be successful. They may have both a fear of failure at work as well as a fear of success.

In a professional setting, people often self-sabotage when they don't feel like their careers line up with their values. For instance, a lawyer who dreams of working with a non-profit organization may feel dissatisfied with a corporate law job, leading them to neglect their clients' needs which can result in bar complaints. A doctor who is unhappy with their work-life balance might start missing scheduled shifts or fail to prioritize their patients' care. People who self-sabotage may attempt to distract themselves from their negative feelings with destructive coping habits like drinking, drug use, or excessive social media consumption. Avoiding these negative feelings rather than addressing them, however, can lead to disciplinary actions at work or with the state board that regulates the profession.

Correcting Self-Sabotage and Repairing Your Career

If you find yourself in destructive patterns or habits that are having a negative impact on your career, it is important to take steps to get yourself back on track. The first step is to admit your frustrations and disappointments with your career and examine why you feel the way that you do. Treat yourself with compassion and forgive yourself for your personal and professional mistakes. Then, make a plan to move forward. Can you make a change that would make you happier? Is there something you can do to stop any destructive patterns?

Self-sabotage is an insidious problem that can affect professionals at all stages of their careers. Unfortunately, the coping mechanisms and other behaviors that people choose to deal with their negative feelings can result in disciplinary actions that may permanently impact their careers. Before it gets to that point, take action to get the help you need. As soon as you receive notice that your licensing agency or board is investigating a complaint against you, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento and his experienced legal team at the Lento Law Firm. We understand how important your license is to your career and have helped professionals across the country fight to keep their license intact. Contact the Lento Law Firm today by calling 888-535-3686 and learn more about how we can help.