career struggles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "career struggles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenges or difficulties someone faces in their professional life. Example: "After years of career struggles, she finally found a job that matched her skills and passion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Less successful are the flotsam-y parts of the book — the arbitrary releases about Ebbesmeyer's career struggles or the detailings of one too many garbage finds.

The New York Times - Books

Flanagan's career struggles at WDBJ7 were documented in detail in memos filed to a court in Roanoke, Virginia, as part of a civil lawsuit filed by Flanagan against the station in March 2014.

The Guardian

She and other professors say they can't help but be affected by their partner's career struggles.

Science Magazine

It describes a leader's willingness to get personal and talk about life at home or their own career struggles.

TechCrunch

Do you address that question in these characters' career struggles?

Huffington Post

As a young coach, I was going through so many early career struggles on and off the court.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Carter said he was at risk at one time in his career, struggling with chemical dependency and marriage problems, when he was claimed on waivers by the Vikings.

The New York Times - Sports

Buffalo can be a lonely place if you are a pitcher on the downside of your career struggling to get back to the major leagues.

The New York Times - Sports

At the season's onset, Jefferson, who has averaged more than 22 points a game twice in his nine-year career, struggled in the Spurs' pick-and-roll offense.

The New York Times

In an Indo-China roiled by post-colonial disputes and the shoving of the great powers, he wanted a dignified neutrality, and spent his career struggling to achieve it.

The Economist

The 30-year-old Raven, who has scored only a handful of goals in his career, struggled to describe how he felt following a match which he admitted could have gone either way.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "career struggles", be specific about the nature of the challenges. Providing context, such as industry downturns, skill gaps, or lack of opportunities, can add depth and clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "career struggles" without providing specific examples. Overgeneralization can dilute the impact and make the discussion less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "career struggles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the difficulties and challenges encountered in one's professional path. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, providing examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "career struggles" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the challenges and difficulties encountered in one's professional life. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English, appearing in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions. While alternatives like "professional challenges" or "work-related difficulties" can be used, "career struggles" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, providing specific details can enhance clarity and impact. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and clearly articulate the nature of the difficulties being discussed. Overall, "career struggles" serves as an effective way to communicate and analyze the complexities of professional life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

career obstacles

Highlights the barriers and impediments that hinder career progression.

professional challenges

Focuses on the challenges encountered in a professional setting, offering a slightly more formal tone.

job-related struggles

Specifically refers to the difficulties encountered in performing or maintaining a job.

work-related difficulties

Highlights difficulties specifically tied to one's job or work environment.

employment-related challenges

Similar to "work-related difficulties" but places more emphasis on the 'employment' aspect.

career-related problems

A broad term encompassing any issues or difficulties pertaining to one's career.

employment hardships

Emphasizes the difficult conditions and adversities experienced in relation to employment.

professional adversities

Stresses the unfavorable or difficult circumstances faced in a professional capacity.

vocational setbacks

Focuses on obstacles and disappointments encountered in one's career path.

difficulties in one's career

This alternative is less direct, expanding the phrase for a slightly more verbose and descriptive meaning.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "career struggles" in a sentence?

You can use "career struggles" to describe difficulties someone faces in their professional life. For instance, "After years of "career struggles", she finally found a fulfilling job".

What are some synonyms for "career struggles"?

Alternatives include "professional challenges", "work-related difficulties", or "employment hardships" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "career struggles" in a formal context?

Yes, "career struggles" is acceptable in formal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "professional challenges" might be preferred in some situations.

What's the difference between "career struggles" and "job search difficulties"?

"Career struggles" encompasses broader challenges throughout one's professional life, while "job search difficulties" specifically refers to the challenges encountered during the process of seeking employment.