Two words can raise the anxiety level of even the most robust employees – career stagnation. Nothing is worse than thinking you’re career is not going anywhere. You feel stuck and helpless.
In this post, we take a look at some of the telltale signs you’re stagnating in your job – and what to do about it.
You Hate Sunday Nights
Ideally, your work should be something you look forward to doing. Yes, you do need some time away to be with family and friends. But, for the most part, your job should be a fulfilling part of your life.
Many workers at one time or another experience a small amount of anxiety about going into the office on Monday morning. Granted, there are times none of us want to go to work, but this is different. If you hate Sunday nights, it’s a telltale sign that something is wrong and not necessarily healthy.
Your mind may be trying to tell you that your job isn’t an authentic expression of who you are. Yes, it earns you money. But beyond that, it’s not doing a great deal for you. You’re not living your best life. You want something more.
You’re Always Bored
Being bored at work is one of those things that can drive you crazy over the long term. For the first few months, you’re prepared to stick it out. But after a while, you wonder what the heck you’re doing with your time. Sure, you’re adding value to people’s lives, but it just doesn’t feel fulfilling in the way you hoped.
Dealing with this issue requires several strategies. The first thing to do is ask your manager about whether you can move onto more challenging work. Being bored is usually a sign that your job just isn’t taxing you enough, and you have reached the point of career stagnation.
The second thing is to look for new opportunities. Every day that passes in your current role is more experience you can put on your resume. Look for ways you can stand out and get noticed. Eventually, employers will take note of it and recommend you for more senior roles – ones that require you to use your talents in new ways.
You’re Not Learning Anything
If you are not continuing to learn something about your role and industry, you are not growing in your career. Once you stop taking on new information, your value relative to others in the marketplace starts going down. Eventually, you’ll de-skill, meaning that what you know will become obsolete.
Many jobs, unfortunately, cater to this deskilling. Employers appreciate the work you do and are willing to pay for it. But they don’t see any value in providing ongoing education to keep your skills up to date. They don’t need to.
Getting out of this one requires a little more effort. No – you can’t just quit your job and go back to university. But you can explore other options, such as taking an online MBA degree program or applying for other professional development opportunities. Continuing to develop both personally and professionally can make a major difference in your future.
You Aren’t Earning Any More Money Than When You Started.
As careers develop, most people earn more, and for a good reason. As they gain more experience, their skills expand. They become more competent and can deliver more value. But sometimes, you’ll find your pay stagnates. Working five years without seeing any rise in your pay isn’t good. It’s a sign that there’s something wrong. So what can you do about this?
Firstly, if your employer hasn’t offered you a pay raise despite your rising skill level, it may be a sign it’s time to move on. The company does not value or appreciate the work you do. You want to work for a company prepared to nurture your talents and bring out the best you have to offer.
If you’re in this situation, take a look at how much other employers are willing to pay for people with a similar level of skill. If you discover it’s higher, you can always apply for those positions.
The other thing you can do is point out to your employer you’re worth significantly more than they pay you. Yes, they still need to profit from your work. But they shouldn’t be trying to get away with paying substantially less than the market rate.
When asking for a pay raise, talk about the value you offer. Point out you’re a productive employee who helps the firm to remain profitable. Don’t just demand a pay rise or make threats. Take time to listen as well. By having this discussion, you may assist leadership with developing a plan that recognizes employees for their performance. Not only will you be helping yourself, but you’ll also be helping your teammates who may also be suffering from career stagnation.
If you find yourself dreading Sundays and feel lost, bored, and stuck in your career, you may have reached a point of career stagnation. However, by making a few changes like those mentioned, you can begin to break free and find excitement in your job again. It’s often hard to face the reality of the situation so consider working with a Career Coach or Counselor to assist you along your journey. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership, and Mentor Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
