Everyone experiences down points in their career, whether they are working in a part-time job or are one of the world’s richest and most famous. The key to getting ahead isn’t to avoid experiencing these ruts – it’s learning how to get out of them. In today’s guide, we’re going to take you through a few ways to halt the process of a stalling business career and get things back on track.
Always be looking
The first step in this process is to ensure you are always on the search for similar jobs to the one you are doing right now. However, there needs to be one big difference – the move you make must have prospects beyond what you are doing now. This tactic works on two different levels. First, it might end up getting a job role for you somewhere else. Secondly, it will give you a certain amount of leverage with your current employers. If they truly value you, they will be worried about your flirting with rivals, and you might be in a stronger position to negotiate a better deal.
Get ahead of your colleagues
There is a multitude of things you can do to ensure that you raise your profile higher than your rivals in your company. We’re not suggesting you let things get nasty, of course, rather making yourself indispensable. Look at postgraduate courses online that you can do in your spare time that will give you new skills. Put yourself forward for projects – even if it means more work. And focus on learning to manage people – it will stand you in good stead for promotions in the future.
Think smaller
It’s always tempting to believe that you could do a job as well as your ‘big boss.’ And maybe you could – but first, you have to prove it. So, stop thinking about where you are going to be in five years time and start thinking about where you want to be in six months or a year. Short-term goals are easier to achieve and will help you focus on doing what’s necessary, rather than dreaming of a brighter future than you have right now.
Do extracurricular activities
Feel like you aren’t getting anything out of your current role? Then why not seek fulfillment in other areas of your life? Volunteer for a charity, or get involved with your local political scene. Maybe even take up a long lost hobby again – music or drama, for example. Everyone has to earn a living, of course, but few do what they actually love. The more space you can make for your interests in your free time, the better.
Explore career options
Of course, your career rut may well be due to losing passion for your job. And maybe you have had enough of your industry altogether. Don’t worry – it happens. And sometimes you have to be brave, take a risk, and explore other avenues instead. All the experience you have picked up will prove valuable in other fields, anyway, as many skills are transferrable. It might be worth booking an appointment with a career advisor and see if you can thrash out what it is you want out of life.
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