The very reason why you are working in your company now is because the company needs you. Your employer saw and believed during the job interview that you were trained well and knowledgeable and skillful enough for the position you applied for. However, it just doesn’t end there.
As the saying goes, change is the only thing constant in the world. If clothes and accessories go out of style and gadgets and other things go obsolete, so do employees and their knowledge and capabilities. If employees do not adapt to the changes at work, there is no other option for them but to be left behind.
Why do careers become stagnant?
The symptoms of stagnant careers are lack of enthusiasm, pessimism, sickening repetitive processes that yield no positive results, and dissatisfaction. These often leave a person confused, not sure where his career will take him.
There are few reasons why some people’s jobs become stagnant.
First, the person’s work environment and the situations in it. Here’s one example: Before, you used to have only few responsibilities at work, but because you were doing very well, you got promoted and you were given bigger tasks to perform, which was very good. But one day, few more people got promoted in your department. This lessened the responsibilities you were handling, consequently lessening your chances of getting ahead in your job.
Another reason why some people’s careers stall is because these people themselves do not embrace change; they do not acknowledge the need to keep up with the trends in the industry. Even if there are opportunities for career advancement, they refuse to accept the offers because they have become comfortable in their positions and somehow fear the unknown.
Not everyone desires higher positions because some are already content with how much they are earning and enjoying what they are doing. But if you are one of those who are dissatisfied with their situation at work, then it is time to take the next step.
How to remedy Stagnant Career Syndrome
1. Do what you think is right. Not all people might be happy about your decision of taking further steps toward career advancement. Your family might have other opinions, and your office mates might have negative comments about your company or its management. Don’t let this affect you. It is only you who feels what is right for you at the moment.
2. Know and understand your possible career paths. The next crucial step is to know where you want to go, how to get there, and know what really awaits you. If you have decided which position you would like to have next, know the person holding that position, befriend him, and get mentored.
3. Be more equipped. Keeping up with the trends entails updating your knowledge and skills. Know the necessary trainings to undergo, and if possible, take courses that will help you in your field.
4. Use your network. In case you cannot thrive in your field with your company, then the next step is to find opportunities in other companies. In doing so, your network is very helpful. Your family, relatives, friends, classmates, previous and present coworkers, and even your superiors may refer you to other people or companies you can work with in the future.
