shifting out of a career plateau
In today's crazy fast world, it's not uncommon to reach a point in your career where you feel stuck in a rut. If this is you, you might feel demotivated and disheartened. It can seem like you are treading water and you just don’t know which way to swim, you feel tired and not happy.
I want you to know there is hope. You can make small shifts that change your momentum and swiftly move you towards better things.
Reasons I know of that people arrive at career plateaus include:
Lack of challenge, repetitive work, possibly bored
Insufficient professional development, lack of opportunities to grow
Lack of career fit or alignment with personal values
Loss of confidence (often from the above!), not sure what your skillset is
Not enough skills or qualifications to take on better roles
Organisations may also contribute to career plateaus by perceiving individuals as lacking the ability or desire for higher-level jobs, thereby limiting their career growth. The presence of senior management for an extended period in their roles, without the likelihood of turnover, can also hinder progression.
People get to a career plateau in their own way, and everyone will experience them differently.
so, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO Shift THIS STATE??
Shift 1 - Reflect on / Identify career goals
Get clear on your individual career goals. What is important to you? Reconnect with your interests and values and use these to help chart your goals. Map your goals against work tasks if you can so you are moving towards them (e.g., goal to improve presentation skills = 8 client presentations in next 6 months). If there is a big gap between where you are and where you want to be, it might be time to look for a new opportunity.
Shift 2 - Seek Out Challenging Projects
More career satisfaction and growth come when you seek out challenges. Is there a project/collaboration you can get involved in at work that allows you to delve into an interest area? I’ve had clients participate in initiatives related to mentoring, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, tech implementation, community outreach …. what opportunities are open to you? If none, can you create some or look outside of work for new challenges?
Shift 3 - Invest in your professional Learning
How could adding new skills or knowledge open doorways for you in the labour market or your current organisation? If you don’t know, can you start researching and find out? The demand for skills is constantly evolving with tech developments. Individuals who prioritise learning and seek opportunities for professional growth are ready for the future. There are a tonne of free or low-cost courses available too, learning is so accessible now and can feel so good for your brain and whole being.
Shift 4 - Build a Supportive Network and Seek Mentorship
"Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas, support your ambitions, and bring out the best in you." - Roy T. Bennett
Having a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and friends can positively influence your career and job satisfaction. Who is in your support network? Are you being open with them about what you want in your career and are you tapping their expertise/support/networks? Try to get yourself out there - say YES to events, met people at seminars, go to LinkedIn panel discussions. etc
Shift 5 - Embrace a Growth Mindset
Studies conducted by Stanford University researcher Carol Dweck highlighted that individuals with a growth mindset – the belief that skills and abilities can be developed through effort – are more likely to overcome challenges and thrive in their careers. What little mindset shifts can you make to the way you are thinking about work that would change your state - away from the stuff that is not working and towards what you want?? Unbelievably powerful these reframes!
I hope this has helped you see you don’t necessarily need a whole new work world to overcome a plateau in your career. Little shifts like the ones outlined above can ignite new motivation and meaning for you at work. By understanding the reasons behind career plateaus and implementing shifts like aligning your goals, seeking challenges, investing in learning, fostering a support network and bringing a positive mindset you can navigate your way towards a thriving career - I promise. Why not you?
"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." - Oprah Winfrey
Reach out for career support if you can’t manage to make a big enough shift on your own and let me help you - book a free chat now