Studies show that up to 52% of U.S. professionals feel stuck in their jobs, according to Gallup. According to BestColleges.com, 43% of working Americans rely on their employer for career guidance versus laying out a plan for themselves.
More importantly, Sixty-seven percent of the individual contributors surveyed said they want to advance their career, but 49% said a lack of good career advice has hurt their job trajectory. (MIT Sloan)
Now, who do you believe is responsible for your career path?
If you said your employer, it could be why you are stuck, frustrated, or discouraged in your current role. Don’t let others dictate your career.
Sure, there are many companies out there who have formal and very effective career development programs; providing employees the advice, training, and even coaching they need to grow. But, I would still coach any of my clients that they should still be the one’s mapping out what they want to do, where they want to go, and what they need to get there.
That way, you’re not simply accepting what is offered to you, but ensuring that what YOU want aligns with it. A free lunch doesn’t guarantee you’re going to like it. Same goes for the career planning that is offered.
What can you do about it.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want
Reflect on your short and long term career goals, skills, talents, and aspirations. Pull out a journal and pen and start scribbling; What excites you? What would make you feel accomplished? What are you willing to do or not? What don’t you want in your career? Sometimes, clarifying these can reveal hidden ambitions or even a different path that aligns with your strengths and passions.
Step 2: Build Your “Career Growth” Strategy
Think of your career like a business plan. Define your goals, research the skills and experiences needed, and start creating a roadmap regarding the training, coaching, and mentoring you need to elevate your capability. For example, if you aim to become a department head, outline the specific steps to get there, such as developing leadership skills, expanding your network, or taking on more challenging projects.
Then, lay out specific action items with timelines, how you’ll measure success, and who you want on your support team to keep you accountable. Tracking your progress will give you a sense of control and accomplishment.
Step 3: Have a Conversation with Your Manager
One often overlooked approach is to proactively discuss your career ambitions with your manager. A study by LinkedIn shows that employees who have regular career conversations with their managers are more likely to stay engaged and advance faster. Set up a meeting, outline your goals, and ask for their support. Be clear, confident, and consise. This transparency can lead to new opportunities or adjustments in your role that can reignite your passion.
Plus, it provides them insight to what you need to stay focused, productive, motivated, and valuable to the team and business.
Step 4: Request a Skills Assessment or 360 Degree Feedback
Depending on where you are in your career, there is a lot of knowledge your peers, employees, and managers have of your performance and leadership style, that can be powerful information for you to have. Afterall, perception is reality, so you getting an understanding of the experience others have of you, will give you an advantage to respond to it as you progress in your career.
No one likes surprises, and specific skill assessments and 360 degree feedback assessments create transformative baselines for your to work from.
Here is a FREE Powerhouse Communication Assessment you can take right now to create a baseline for moving forward. HERE
Step 5: Engage a Mentor or Coach
The greatest benefit of a mentor or coach is the sounding board, advice, and support they provide you as you take on your current role and plan for the future. Whether your company invests in a mentor or coach, through internal programs, or you choose to on your own, having someone you can ask questions to, seek advice, discuss a challenge or issue, and simply purge to, creates a significant advantage to the speed and depth of your growth.
Immediate Actions
- Reflect: Spend 30 minutes writing down what excites you about your career.
- Plan: Draft a “career growth” strategy with achievable short-term goals (6-12 months).
- Speak Up: Schedule a career conversation with your manager this month.
Remember, the key to getting unstuck is not waiting for change but actively creating it.
If you want expert tips and advice on even pursuing the 3 immediate actions, schedule some complimentary time with me HERE.
Lastly, check out this week’s Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast episode with guest, Randi Roberts, for even more powerful insights and tips on your career.
