TGIF!
TGIF?
Well, it wasn’t so for Sarah. She realised that her job had become a routine rather than a passion. After years of hard work and utmost dedication, she felt stuck. Work felt like a chore—an endless loop of the same projects, emails, and meetings.
Have you found yourself in a similar situation? If you have ever wondered why your career feels stuck and how to get unstuck, best believe you are not alone. Many professionals hit this wall at some point, and this article explores how to get unstuck and move forward.
Why does your career feel stuck
1. Lack of growth opportunities
If you value growth opportunities and your job offers little to none, you will feel boxed in. As the tasks become repetitive, with limited options to take on new opportunities or learn new skills, you tend to lose motivation.
2. Misalignment with personal values
Professionals with core values sometimes feel stuck in their jobs when it does not align with their core values. Initially, the attractive pay and perks might have won them over, but as time passed, they realised the job didn't align with what truly mattered to them, which could lead to a loss of enthusiasm and fulfilment.
3. Burnout from overwork
Burnout is a bummer. After months or years of handling an excessive workload, feeling drained, uninspired, and stuck is natural. Suffering from burnout makes work look lacklustre, creating a mental blockage that hinders career progress.
4. Fear of taking risks
No one makes progress in their comfort zone. The fear of failure has hindered many professionals. This fear may be an obstacle to exploring new opportunities, applying for a promotion, or transitioning to a new field.
5. Lack of a clear career vision
Not having a clear career vision is like walking blindfolded in the dark: you will be clueless. Without a career vision, every day feels like walking around in a circle. It leads to stagnation and leaves you feeling disconnected and uncertain of the next step.
Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better."----Ralph Waldo Emerson
How to get unstuck
When stuck in your career, do not panic! Create a plan. It takes 1-3 years to transition from zero to mid-level pro, so start where you are with what you have. Here are some steps to take:
1: Look for opportunities outside of your industry.
At times, the solution to getting unstuck lies outside your industry. Soft skills like communication, project management, and problem-solving are useful in many fields. Exploring roles outside your current industry could be a door opener to new and exciting career paths, creating fresh challenges and motivation.
2: Understand that no career is linear.
Careers rarely follow a straight line. Welcome the ups and downs because they can bring new insights and skills. Sometimes, these unexpected changes relieve pressure and create a new sense of quest.
3: Stop complaining and start asking for advice.
It is okay to vent when frustrated, but complaining can worsen your sense of being stuck. The best approach is to ask mentors, colleagues, or friends for advice. They may provide a fresh standpoint, actionable insights, and ideas for navigating obstacles.
4: Hire a career coach
A career coach can be a lifesaver in helping you get unstuck. They provide tailored guidance for your goals, helping you create steps to move forward. Investing in a coach can be a game-changer in building confidence and crafting a personalised comeback plan.
5: Believe in yourself
Always remind yourself that you can do hard things. Your ability to believe in changing your condition is crucial. Embrace a growth mindset, trust in your skills, and remember that with perseverance, anything is possible.
Some of your questions answered.
Should I quit my job if I feel stuck?
Have you ever heard the saying, Quitters are losers? Well, not in all cases. Quitting may appear to be the easy way out, but it is crucial to understand why you are quitting. Are you stuck because of a temporary issue or something more prominent? Take time to reflect before quitting.
Is it normal to feel stuck in your career?
Yes. Feeling stuck is common among professionals at some point. It is often a sign to self-assess, adjust your career goals, and move forward.
How do I restart my stalled career?
To restart your stuck career, focus on skill development, create new goals, hire a career coach, and seek mentorship. Additionally, online courses, networking, or professional guidance can restart your career.
Let us help you get unstuck with our coaching sessions.
Breaking free from career stagnation does not start and finish in a day; it is not something to do alone. Our personalised career coaching sessions will help you rediscover your direction and take proactive steps towards growth. Let us help you unstuck your career; schedule a session with our expert coach and start your journey to success today.