Your career may ebb and flow over the years, but it’s important to understand the difference between one that has slowed down and a career that has reached a plateau. If your role and responsibilities haven’t changed in years, there’s a good chance you are dealing with a stalled career. There are some steps you can take to get your career back on track if you’re committed and ready to put in some hard work.
If you choose to restart your stalled career while staying with the same company, you must work to change management’s perceptions of you. Take the initiative to identify problems that need solving or gaps that need closure at the company, and work on those to shift the focus onto you as a key player. You may find that making a career change by transferring to a new department shakes things up enough to give you the boost you need.
Talk with your boss about your stalled career. Discuss your current role and responsibilities, and then review the department and company hierarchy. Be very open and honest as you talk to your manager about where you see yourself advancing in the organization and what you need to do to get there. Focus on changing your attitude. Let go of any negativity and complacency, and shift to a positive and proactive mindset.
You may find that your stalled career needs a huge shift to get back on track. Don’t be afraid to look for new opportunities with another company or within another industry, and prepare yourself for a more junior role or lower-paying job when you do land something new. Expect to work hard and take risks to establish yourself at your new company. With your new career change, positive mindset and focus on the future, you should find yourself advancing quickly through the new ranks and establishing yourself as a vital member of the new organization.
Whether you opt to remain with your current company or to make it in a new organization, you may find that acquiring new skills or pursuing professional credentials may get you back on track quickly. Consider pursuing an advanced degree or taking specific classes to earn certification. While this may eat into your personal time, it’s well worth the effort in the long run. You will learn something new while showing your employer that you are dedicated to becoming a better employee.
If you think your career is going nowhere, don’t get discouraged. Getting your stalled career back on track may take some time, but it’s well worth the effort. Whether you want financial gain through salary increases or a newly found sense of pride in your job, learning to adapt to change to give your career a fresh start ensures that you reach your goal.
Photo courtesy of Flazingo.com at Flickr.com
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