What To Do When You're Feeling Stuck in Your Career
*originally published on Substack on November 8, 2022
Gabe Moronta
3/5/20247 min read
When you're feeling stuck in your career, it can be tough to know what to do. You may feel like you're stuck in a rut, or that you're not sure how to move forward. But there are some things you can do to change your career when you're feeling stuck.
First, you can take some time to assess what you really want. What are your goals? What are your passions? Once you have a good idea of what you want, you can start looking for opportunities that align with your goals.
Second, you can reach out to your network. Talk to people who are doing what you want to do, or who have made a similar career change. They can give you advice and help you figure out your next steps.
Finally, you can think outside the box. If you're feeling stuck, it may be because you're not thinking creatively enough about your career. Sometimes, the best way to change your career is to do something completely different.
So if you're feeling stuck in your career, don't despair. There are ways to change your career and get back on track. Just take some time to assess what you want:
Three Ways to Change Your Career When You're Feeling Stuck
Consider a Different Industry
Go Back to School
Make a Lateral Move
Start Your Own Business
Seek Out a Mentor
Network Like Crazy
Be Honest with Yourself
Three Ways to Change Your Career When You're Feeling Stuck
When you're feeling stuck in your career, it can be tough to know what to do next. Here are three ways to change your career when you're feeling stuck:
01. Talk to a career coach
If you're not sure what you want to do next in your career, talking to a career coach can be a great way to figure it out. A career coach can help you assess your skills and interests, and figure out what career path might be a good fit for you.
02. Do some research
If you're not sure what direction you want to go in, doing some research can be a helpful way to figure out what options are available to you. Talk to friends and family, read books and articles, and explore different websites to learn more about different careers.
03. Experiment
If you're still not sure what you want to do, why not experiment? Try out different jobs and careers to see what you like and don't like. You can volunteer, intern, or even just shadow someone in a career that interests you. The more you explore, the more likely you are to find something that you're passionate about.
Changing your career can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By taking some time to figure out what you want, and what you don't want, you can make the transition to a new career that much easier.
Consider a Different Industry
When you're feeling stuck in your career, it can be hard to imagine making a change. But sometimes, a change is exactly what you need. If you're unhappy with your current situation, or you're just ready for something new, consider a different industry.
There are many reasons why you might want to consider a different industry. Maybe you're not challenged in your current role, or you're interested in a different type of work. Maybe you're looking for more opportunities, or you're ready to move to a new location. Whatever the reason, a change of industry can be a great way to jumpstart your career.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering a change to a different industry:
Do your research
Before you make any decisions, it's important to do your research. What are the different industries that interest you? What are the job prospects in those industries? What are the working conditions like? What are the salary ranges? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your choices and make sure you're making an informed decision.
Consider your skills
Not all industries will be a good fit for your skills. For example, if you're a people person, you might not be happy in an industry that requires a lot of solo work. On the other hand, if you're a self-starter, you might find more opportunities in an industry that values independence. Consider your skills and interests when choosing an industry, and match them up with the industries that will make the best use of them.
Talk to people in the industry
If you know anyone who works in the industries you're considering, reach out to them and ask for advice. They can tell you about their own experiences, and give you insights that you won't find in your research. Talking to people who are already working in the industry will give you a better idea of what to expect, and help you make a more informed decision.
Making a career change can be a big decision, but it can also be a great opportunity to jumpstart your career. If you're feeling stuck, consider a different industry. With a little research and planning, you can find an industry that's a better fit for your skills and interests.
Go Back to School
There are plenty of reasons why you might feel stuck in your career. Maybe you're not progressing as fast as you'd like, or you're not doing work that you're passionate about. Whatever the reason, it can be tough to feel like you're not doing more for yourself.
One way to change your career when you're feeling stuck is to go back to school. Whether you're taking classes online or pursuing a degree, going back to school can help you learn new skills and knowledge that you can use in your career. It can also help you make connections with other professionals who can help you further your career.
Another benefit of going back to school is that it can give you a chance to take a break from your current career. If you're feeling burnt out or just need a change of pace, going back to school can be a great way to recharge your batteries. You can focus on your studies and take a break from the stresses of your current job.
Of course, going back to school takes time and money. But if you're feeling stuck in your career, it could be worth the investment. It can help you learn new skills, make new connections, and take a break from your current job.
Make a Lateral Move
Making a lateral move may be the best way to get unstuck. A lateral move is defined as a move within your company or field that is either at the same level or a lower level than your current position. Making a lateral move can help you gain new skills, broaden your network, and re-energize your career. Here are three tips for making a successful lateral move:
Define your goals. What do you hope to accomplish by making a lateral move? Whether you're looking to broaden your skill set or build your network, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. This will help you choose the right move and make the most of your new position.
Research your options. Not all lateral moves are created equal. Some may offer more opportunity for growth than others. When considering your options, be sure to look at the big picture and choose a move that will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Be prepared to start from scratch. In many cases, a lateral move means starting at the bottom again. This can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But if you're prepared mentally and emotionally, it can be a great opportunity to learn and grow in your career.
Making a lateral move can be a great way to jump-start your career. By defining your goals, researching your options, and preparing for a fresh start, you can set yourself up for success.
Start Your Own Business
There comes a time in everyone's career when they feel stuck. Maybe you're not being challenged at your current job, or you're simply ready for a change. Whatever the reason, it can be helpful to explore other options. Here are four ways to change your career when you're feeling stuck:
No matter what you decide to do, changing your career can be a scary but exciting process. Just be sure to do your research, plan carefully, and most importantly, follow your heart. Oh! If you’re married, talk to your spouse, don’t be stupid!
Seek Out a Mentor or Advisor
A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice when it comes to making a career change.
Here are a few tips on how to find a mentor:
Reach out to your network. Ask family and friends if they know anyone who would be a good fit as a mentor. You can also search online for mentoring programs in your industry or field.
Attend industry events. Attend trade shows, conferences, and other events related to your industry. This is a great way to meet potential mentors and get started on building a relationship.
Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization related to your field can provide you with access to mentors. Many organizations have mentoring programs or committees that can help connect you with a mentor.
Check with your employer. Many employers offer mentoring programs for employees. If your company does not have a formal program, you may still be able to find a mentor through your employer.
Seek out advice from experts. If you’re not sure where to start in your search for a mentor, look to experts in your field for advice. Read books or articles written by industry leaders, or look for podcasts or interviews with experts that you can learn from.
Network Like Crazy
The best way to network is to get involved with professional organizations and attend industry events (see mentor above). By getting involved, you’ll meet other professionals who can help you make the transition to a new career.
Another great way to network is to use social media. There are many professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, that can help you connect with other professionals in your field.
Finally, don’t forget the power of personal connection. Talk to your friends and family about your career goals and see if they know anyone who can help you get started in your new career.
Remember, networking is key when you’re trying to change your career. By getting involved and connecting with others, you’ll increase your chances of making a successful transition.
Be Honest with Yourself
After you’ve done all of this, you need to make decisions and pull the proverbial ripcord. When you’re at this point in your career is when you will have to hold yourself accountable, do you really want to do this? Are you just blowing off smoke? Could you see yourself staying put or is it time to go? A little word of advice, if you’re thinking about it, it might be time to go. Good luck!
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