Do you feel like your career has recently come to a halt? Do you feel like your career growth may have stalled? If you want to know why, consider whether any of these three factors might apply to you.
You Stopped Learning
The only way to grow professionally is to keep adding to your skills and knowledge. If you’re no longer learning, stagnating is the natural result. Shake things up by signing up for a certification course, finding a mentor, or asking about job shadowing and cross-training programs at work.
You’ve Gone on Autopilot
Maybe you’ve gotten too comfortable in your job. You might not be excited about it anymore, but it feels safe and familiar. When this happens, it’s all too easy to simply shift into autopilot. Rather than volunteering for new projects, not getting your work noticed, or getting involved in work-related activities, you’ve simply started “phoning it in.”
When you’re on autopilot, you probably won’t even see the opportunities all around you.
You’re Not Working on an Action Plan
Maybe you’re trying really hard to grow your career. You’re learning everything you can. You’ve avoided the autopilot trap and are staying engaged at work. But you’re still not getting anywhere. Perhaps it’s because you don’t have a clear-cut action plan.
An action plan serves as a sort of road map for your career growth. Start by defining what you want your career to look like 6 months, a year, and 5 years from now. Then turn each piece into clear, actionable goals and milestones. Finally, figure out baby steps that you can take every day or every week to start making progress – something as simple as developing a better relationship with your boss. . Working with a mentor or career coach can really help with this.
Of course, some workplaces simply aren’t suited to long-term career growth. Or maybe your employer just isn’t the right fit for you. If you’ve addressed the issues above and still aren’t getting ahead, it might be time to move on.
Ready for your next role?
Cardinal Staffing has been matching candidates across Ohio and Michigan with just the right light industrial, administrative, and professional positions for nearly 30 years. With deep roots in these areas, we’re experts on the local job markets. Contact us to learn more or start searching for your next position today!
