Has your career stalled? Are you in the same job, working for the same company, doing the same thing each day, week, month, year?
It is easy to become complacent and stay with what makes you feel comfortable. It is called the comfort zone for a reason.
In many ways this can be a positive – you feel job security, which in result makes you feel financial security. You also feel very confident with your day to day and there is routine. If you are not looking for a stressful working life and happy with the same pay check each month with no to little change, then this is the perfect career move for you. No judgement – there is no right or wrong. It is a personal choice after all.
However, if you are wanting a pay rise, more challenge, a higher level in your career then you have to shake a few leafs to get it.
So…your career is stale…how can you kick start it for a fresh new lease on life? Here are 4 ways to make it happen.
First things first – you need a plan. You cannot start making action steps without it. Download our free career planning guide to help you get started.
With a plan you can analyse your career direction and goals. This will allow you to make realistic steps in achieving them. Perhaps you will identify a skill shortage, gaps in experience and of course, a timeline of when you should be taking action steps.
A plan will also help keep you on track and accountable to ensure you do not become too comfortable and stale in your career again.
Networking is your key. The best advice we can ever give someone is to network. Often it is not what you know, but who you know. The right network will inform you of job opportunities, new industry trends and pit falls you should watch for.
If you have not started networking, do it now.
Where to find the right people? Go to networking events and speak with who you already know and ask for introductions to their connections. Networking is a life long activity and you should continue to build on your portfolio of connections.
Yes – volunteer yourself for new company projects and extra work. This is a great way to get exposure with new tasks, skills and build your resume up. It is also a good opportunity to show management what you are capable off and use it as fuel to request for a raise or even a promotion.
Bite the bullet and apply for that next level job. What are you really waiting for? In order to have the career you want, you have to get it yourself. No one will come up to you and hand you that management role, that key project, that higher salary. You need to apply for it and promote yourself. In order to level up, you need to take that step and apply for the level up. So update your resume and sharpen your interview skills, it is time to hunt for your next level role.
There are a number of other ways you can kick start your career, however, these 4 will certainly get things moving along faster and give it a whole new lease on life.
If you need any assistance in your career planning, resume writing or interview skills – simply reach out to My Career Angels. We are specialised career coaches and mentors with over 25 plus combined years experience in the field. Reach out for your free, no obligation call today to discover how we can help.
My Career Angels..
Your career, on your terms. Real guidance. Real results.
How can I advance my career?
Start by thinking about what you want from your career and where you’d like to go next. Make a plan that includes the skills or experience you need, who you could learn from and opportunities worth exploring. You don’t need to figure everything out at once, but it helps to know what you’re working towards.
Why is career planning important for career advancement?
A career plan helps you work out your next steps. It gives you a chance to look at what you can already do, what you need to learn and where to focus your time. You can adjust it as your goals or circumstances change.
Can professional networking help with career growth?
Yes. Talking with others in your industry can help you learn about different roles, hear about opportunities and understand what’s changing. It’s also a chance to share experiences and get to know those you might work with or learn from.
How can I develop new skills at work?
You could put your hand up for a project, learn a different task or ask to work alongside another team. Talk to your manager about what you’d like to learn and whether there’s training or practical experience available that fits your goals.
Should I volunteer for additional projects at work?
It can be worthwhile if the project gives you experience you want or helps you learn something useful. Before saying yes, ask what’s involved and think about how it will fit with your current workload. If you’re already stretched, talk to your manager about what would need to change to make room for it.
How do I know when I am ready for career advancement?
Look at what’s expected in the role you want and compare that with the work you’re already doing. You don’t have to tick every box, but it helps to know where you’re ready and where you need more experience. Feedback from your manager or someone doing that role can help you work this out.
Should I update my resume before applying for a higher level role?
Yes. Include your recent experience and achievements, especially those that relate to the role you want. Show how your responsibilities have grown and give examples of what you’ve achieved, so the employer can see why you’re ready for the next step.
From the day we could talk we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Now that we are all grown up, do we have a plan or are we still replying like 3 year olds- career roles spoken without thought or the right goals in mind to get them? So do you need a career plan? How can it help? What is the best approach? Read to find out.
Have you already scrapped your New Year Resolutions? Do you feel like you keep failing to meet your goals? We can help you reach your goals in 4 easy steps!