Get Your Career Unstuck: A Comprehensive Guide
Oct 26, 2023
Everyone, at some point or another, hits a career plateau, or just can’t seem to even land their first job out of university. You may find yourself feeling stagnant, unchallenged, uninspired or overlooked. The comfort of a stable job can often be overshadowed by the lurking sensation of being stuck. But this doesn’t have to be a permanent setting- unless it’s what you choose. There are concrete steps you can take to reignite your professional life and progress forward. Here’s how to get your career unstuck- whether you're mid-way through your career, or still trying to land your first role:
Self-reflection is key
Before you can move forward, you need to identify what's holding you back. Ask yourself:
- What do I truly want from my career?
- What skills or experiences am I lacking?
- Do I enjoy what I’m currently doing?
- What changes could improve my satisfaction and growth?
And my personal favourite…’ If you had all the money in the world, what would you choose to do?’
How am I doing?
It's a tough question to ask, as it can be very confronting to hear things you might not want to hear. However, it’s also tough to see the picture when you're inside the frame. Talk to mentors, peers, and even subordinates about your performance, potential areas of growth, and opportunities you might be overlooking.
Invest in continuous learning
The world is always evolving, and so should your skill set. Take classes, attend seminars, or simply read up on the latest trends in your industry. Not only will this make you more marketable, but it’ll also reignite your passion. If you are not feeling that passion after these measures, you may want to consider another career avenue.
Form genuine professional ties
Connections often lead to new opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional groups, or if you’re introverted and hate these types of events (like me!!), you could even start by simply grabbing coffee with a colleague from another department. The idea of networking always brought up images of calculating and disingenuous behaviours for me in the past, but it doesn’t have to be. Everyone has something to offer and you could also bring valuable insights to the people you form new ties with. New perspectives can spark fresh ideas.
Consider a lateral move
This sounds like a counter-productive accelerator tactic, but sometimes, the best way to progress is not up, but sideways. A lateral move can provide you with a new set of challenges, helping you acquire diverse skills and experiences. Accelerators are continuously strategic, and this move is no exception. They recognise a dead-end situation and work to move laterally to get out of stagnation to regain career momentum- fast! They see no value in staying in a situation that is no longer serving them and strategically re-position themselves for maximum trajectory.
Seek a mentor or coach
They can provide you with guidance, an unbiased perspective, and potentially introduce you to opportunities you hadn’t considered. They are also specially trained in identifying your true strengths and will help you navigate through the challenges faced in your career journey.
Re-align and re-design
Perhaps your goals from five years ago don’t resonate with you anymore. It’s okay to change direction. At Align and Accelerate, we always encourage our clients to ‘re-align and re-design’. Set new milestones for yourself that align with your current aspirations.
Prioritize your well-being
Physical and mental health can impact your professional performance. Make sure you're taking breaks, managing stress, drawing boundaries and seeking balance. A clear mind often leads to a clearer career path.
Get proactive
Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, go to them. Propose new projects, take initiatives, volunteer for tasks, or even suggest changes that can benefit the organization. It’s a good way to gain recognition and raise your profile without networking if you’re introverted.
Consider a change
If you’ve tried multiple strategies and still feel stuck, it might be time to consider changing jobs or even industries. A fresh start can be just what you need to reignite your career.
Feeling stuck in your career is frustrating, although a common experience! It doesn't mean you're doomed to remain in that state. With introspection, proactivity, and a willingness to embrace change, you can navigate out of the plateau and ascend towards your desired professional peaks. Remember, every professional setback or standstill can be a setup for a grand comeback. Embrace the journey, and trust in your ability to create the career you've always envisioned.
If you’re still unsure about how to move forward, you can always message me on social media to talk about the career obstacles you are facing now at:
And if you prefer to dive into a longer, detailed call with me, you can book your private call here. You come away with:
- A customised plan to get your career un-stuck
- 2 actionable points to apply straight away for immediate results
- Tailored tactics to get you ahead of your current situation
Wishing you so much success,
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