“I don’t feel like I’m growing in my career” is probably one of the most common statements anyone will make at some point in their career. And frankly, it should be one of the questions we all ask ourselves on a daily basis. “Am I still growing at work?”
Career growth is an important aspect that cannot be overlooked or put aside. Not only because this is key to your happiness at work but it also gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in your personal life.
Working at the same company for years, doing the same thing over and over again, can often lead to the point where you start feeling like you’re no longer growing and learning new things at your job.
If this all sounds too familiar for you, here are a few things you need to do:
Define your desired career path
One of the first actions to take when you feel like you’re no longer growing in your career is to define your desired career path. Think about where you are now in your career and where you see yourself 3 to 5 years from now. What are the positions or dream job roles you need to obtain to realise your career goals?
This also means that you need to need to create a clear road map to help visualise how your career journey is going to look like. For example, if you are a marketing assistant and desire to become head of marketing one day, what are the positions you need to hold to get there? Of course, this is not only about job titles, it’s also about defining what skills you need to obtain and how you personally need to grow and develop to become the best version of yourself in your career.
Take the initiative
Once you’ve defined your career path, it’s time to take initiative. Working within the boundaries of your job description does not promote career growth. Be willing to go the extra mile. This does not mean that you need to overwork yourself and work till late. It’s about being more involved in your work and showing how you are a valuable member that can help grow the business further. For example, within your role, you may suggest ways to improve processes, increase sales or retain customers. It’s all about being willing to take initiative.
Speak to your manager
It’s also important to have an honest conversation with your manager or boss about your career growth in the business. The truth is, a lot of businesses struggle to provide a good career path and career development for their employees. So if you don’t speak to your management, they may not realise that you feel stuck in your current position and want to move up the corporate ladder.
This is a conversation you can start having with your manager at your performance review meeting. Usually, your manager or HR department will be able to outline certain actions you need to take or things you’ll need to have achieved to qualify for a promotion or to progress further in your career.
Don’t be afraid to move on
In some instances, although you have taken all the initiatives and have spoken to your manager, things just don’t change. You might have communicated your desire to grow, but just end up with countless promises of career development opportunities with no clear career progression path, action or training to support this.
If this turns out to be the case, it is important to decide whether you’re willing to stay with no guarantee of career growth or whether it’s time for you to move on.
Research shows that people tend to stay in jobs that don’t provide any progression due to fear. The fear of financial instability and concerns about family responsibilities. Yes, change is scary, moving on to a new job can be scary, however, ultimately what’s even scarier, in the end, is regret.
