How to Avoid a Career Plateau
Many employees across the country are unhappy with their job. As a study on workplace happiness in the UK found, 36% of those surveyed – amounting to an average of one in three people – are affected by these emotions. The factors taken into account by the study are belonging, appreciation, inclusion, support, purpose, energy, learning, achievement, trust, flexibility, compensation, stress level, satisfaction, and manager support.
Other common reasons one might feel unhappy in their careers include a loss of passion for their line of work and a lack of professional development – otherwise known as a career plateau. If you believe that you are at this stage, there are things you can do to alleviate these concerns and gain a newfound passion for working.
Create new professional goals
Our past article titled ‘How Can You Sculpt Your Dream Career’ explains that professional goals will help you figure out where you want to be in the near future. You can then shape your professional life to meet these goals.
Ask yourself questions like where you see yourself in five years and whether you are on the right track to getting there. Setting goals will give you a way to measure your progress and will help drive your motivation to achieve them. This can range from applying for a higher role within your company, gaining a certification to upskill your capabilities, or even taking a break and going back to school. Taking a positive step can reignite the interest you once had in your career and will help you progress to the next step.
Take on a side gigA lot of jobs don’t allow for their employees to grow in the way they want; yet this shouldn’t stop you. As LHH explains in their article on breaking a career plateau, a side gig allows you to accommodate a passion without risking your actual career. For example, you can try freelancing as a graphic designer if you have an artistic side or you can also try selling homemade baked goods if you are a formidable cook. Engaging in a side gig that you are passionate about will not only give you a mental boost outside of work, but could eventually turn into your main career if your current one has plateaued.
Find work-life balanceFeeling stuck at your job is a manifestation of burnout. The WHO describes how this workplace phenomenon is caused by excessive stress, anxiety, and exhaustion from performing the daily tasks of your job. It can push you to view your career as something negative or not worthwhile, and that will put you in a rut.
Finding a balance between work and personal life is an effective solution to this. A piece by The Balance Careers describes how achieving this is beneficial since you will be able to better rest and recuperate from your stressors at work. Make sure to set clear boundaries between you and the office by not bringing your tasks home. After a long day at your job, it is vital that you turn off notifications so you can go out and socialise without having to worry about work messages. If you work remotely make sure you completely cut yourself off from work once you are finished. You should also consider only taking on projects that you can handle. Though having initiative is admirable, it should never be at the cost of your health and wellness. Striking the right balance and setting boundaries will not only help increase your motivation but also remind you why you love your career.
The danger of hitting a career plateau is very real and affects many workers. Rather than letting it be a roadblock, use the above tips to avoid a plateau derailing your career and personal growth.
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