Many people join a company with the high hopes of learning new skills and fast-tracking their career path up the corporate ladder, all the while earning a handsome compensation package. At first, all starry-eyed, you think opportunities and career breaks will come to you easily, if you simply put in the work. As time passes, you recognize that your career has stagnated and you are no closer to reaching the goals you have set for yourself.
Since the white-collar job market is tight, you may have decided that it wasn’t the right time for you to make a job switch. So, you chose to wait things out and see what happens. However, as time goes by, you realize that nothing has changed.
Don’t Get Complacent—Take Action
Staying in a job out of fear might be more damaging in the long run. If you’ve exhausted all avenues for growth and satisfaction within your current role, sometimes the bravest step is to look for new opportunities where you can thrive.
However, if staying at your current employer is the best option for you right now, ensure that it’s because there is a clear path forward, and not because you’re afraid of change.
Start by evaluating why you feel stuck. Is it due to a lack of challenging projects, poor management or perhaps a mismatch in expectations set by human resources? Understanding the root cause will guide your next steps.
Schedule a meeting with your manager or HR to express your feelings about your career progression. It is essential that you do not come off as confrontational. Use data or examples of your work to illustrate your points. Ask for feedback on what you could be doing differently or what opportunities might be available for growth.
If your company offers training or further education, take advantage of it. This not only improves your skills, but also shows your commitment to your role.
If there’s no formal training, propose a self-directed learning plan and see if they’ll support it financially or through time off.
Look for or create opportunities where you can lead a project. Leadership roles, even small ones, can significantly boost your visibility and demonstrate your capability to handle more responsibility.
Additionally, you must build relationships across different departments. Sometimes, opportunities arise from connections you might not expect. Therefore, you should attend company events, join committees or volunteer for cross-departmental projects.
With your manager, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound objectives. SMART goals give you a clear path to advancement and a way to measure your progress.
If upward mobility isn’t possible, consider moving laterally. A different role or department might offer new challenges and learning opportunities, potentially reigniting your interest and improving your career trajectory.
As you’re expanding your skill stack, also be observant of the current job market. Understanding your worth can give you leverage in negotiations or confidence if you decide to move.
Given the wave of layoffs that have taken place post-Great Resignation, it is wise to have a backup plan. Update your résumé, keep your LinkedIn profile current and maybe even start applying for jobs discreetly. This doesn’t mean you’re ready to leave, but it prepares you for any eventuality.
Most importantly, do not overlook your mental health. Feeling stuck can be draining. Engage in activities outside work, maintain hobbies or seek professional help if the stress becomes overwhelming.
If after all these steps, you still feel undervalued or the company culture fails to change, it might be time to consider leaving. Look for signs like consistent lack of advancement, a toxic work environment or if your values no longer align with the company’s direction.
Source: Forbes
