Career Stagnation
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Although nearly everyone experiences some type of stagnation in their career at some point, it can feel particularly challenging for professionals who have experienced a rapid progression at the outset of their career. Despite the prevalence of this phenomenon, its causes and solutions remain obscure for many — undoubtedly because it is something people so rarely feel comfortable talking about.
The reason why most people avoid the subject is because when our career advancement hits a plateau, we are quick to blame it on a lack of ability. The thinking goes something like this: if I have stopped progressing, it must be due to a lack of the competencies necessary to reach the next level. And that is where the issue gets more complicated for many: instead of talking about the issue — because speaking about one’s own weaknesses is never easy — one tries, with varying levels of success, to compensate as best as possible, usually by spending more time working. Stress levels increase, which often results in a drop in performance. A vicious circle ensues.
However, rather than resulting from a lack of competencies, career stagnation — especially when preceded by a period of rapid progression — is usually due to the fact that one’s current responsibilities are no longer aligned with one’s values or with one’s sources of motivation. It is difficult to perform well if what you are doing doesn’t engage you.
This can be the case, for example, for those whose career advancement takes them progressively further away from what initially attracted them to their profession. Often, getting a promotion means spending more time managing others at the expense of time spent on the technical or substantive aspects of one’s field. That could involve less time spent doing the things one loves and more time doing things that feel like a chore.
If you feel like you have hit a plateau, it is helpful to take stock of things by asking a few key questions:
Does your job involve you spending enough time doing things that you consider worthwhile?
Do your responsibilities on the job allow you to grow and evolve in ways that you think are relevant?
Are your responsibilities in line with your values?
Your responses to these questions will help you to figure out the ways you can better align your current role with your strengths and needs. Sometimes, all that it takes to find the motivation you once had are a few minor adjustments to your day-to-day work.
Could your current role be better aligned with what is really important to you? If so, why not get in touch here to explore what it would be like to work together? To find out more about me first, you can do so here.