Five Signs Your Career Has Stalled

Has your career stalled? Unsure of the answer to this question? If so, it’s time for you to conduct a rapid assessment of where things stand for you at this time. Also, it may be a good idea to set goals for where you want to be within the next one to three years.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when examining whether or not your career has stalled.

1. Have you been promoted within the last 3-5 years?
2. Have you taken on new duties in your role that qualify as a stretch opportunity?
3. Have others you previously managed, or perhaps were your peers at one time, been promoted into job positions higher than your own over the last few years?
4. Are you participating in ongoing "high-profile" projects and activities that garner the spotlight and recognition?
5. Are you bored or frustrated by every little thing that crops up in the workplace?

If you answered 'no' to questions 1, 2, and 4 or yes to questions 3 and 5, it may be time to re-evaluate your plans for the future.

A career stall does not have to mean the end of your career. There are a few actions you can take now to readjust and get back on track.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain momentum.

Unless you are looking to stay at your current job level (which is okay if it is a conscious choice), don’t get too comfortable or complacent with the day-to-day. The key is to always look for new opportunities to show evolution within yourself, the team, and the organization.

Efficiency is key. It would be best if you always looked for opportunities to function in your job at a more efficient level so that you don’t get stuck in the same old rut of putting out unnecessary fires related to things that should be routine by now. It would be best if you found a way to become a better manager of your time to make time to do new and exciting things that will enable you to push past the stall.

Goal setting is a critical part of the career management and planning process. As noted above, if you are interested in not being stalled, goal setting is a vital component of the equation. It enables us to map out where we are today and where it is we want to be. First, draft a one-year, three-year, and five-year plan. Then, identify the steps you will take to get there.

Always keep an eye open for growth opportunities, whether through education, training, or workplace stretch opportunities. In addition, look beyond opportunities that only strengthen you. For example, if you are a leader, look for options that also stretch your team.

Stay Aware of Industry Practices and Trends

Stay aware of industry trends in your current field. Do not be afraid to introduce new best practices into the work you perform today, as this will position you in a way that shows an awareness for the need to keep yourself or your team moving along the path of evolution.

Of course, there’s nothing like networking with the right people to get your name on the lips of the right people to pull you out of your career stall. You can do this in various ways, from getting involved with projects to serving on committees sponsored and managed by managers/workplace executives.

Finally, set a few goals to constantly evaluate your career and the progress you are or are not making.