What to do when facing a career slump
When you start out in the world of work you tend to make a lot of progress in the first five years.
Your development looks a lot like this:
Woohoo! Look at me go…
Then it gets harder.
After a while, it starts to look like this:
This train is definitely slowing down…
If you’re like most people, you'll find yourself hitting a plateau. You’re no longer progressing at the same rate.
You become despondent and disengaged.
It’s not your fault.
It’s all down to the hierarchical structure of companies which looks a bit like this triangle:
Where have all the jobs gone I wonder?
As you climb each layer there are less opportunities available. It’s like a game of musical chairs but with jobs instead of seats.
Unfortunately, it also does not operate as a meritocracy.
You will find that it’s not always the best that make it to the big comfy chair in the corner office.
It’s often those that are willing to ‘play the game.’
So what can you do if you find yourself in this situation and you’re not a ruthless character who is prepared to bully their way to the top?
The best thing is to take immediate action.
Maintaining the status quo will not improve things in the long run.
Here are some suggestions that might help:
Learn a new skill. There are so many ways you can learn something these days. Books, YouTube, social media, courses, and so on. Acquiring new talents boosts our self-confidence as well as making us more attractive to other employers.
Go on some interviews. Test the market. See what else is out there. Get comfortable with the interviewing process.
Start a side project. Not only could this lead to some passive income, it also allows you to progress in another area outside of your day job.
Start your own company. This is a lot easier said than done but if you feel the slightest itch to do so then go and scratch it. Being your own boss is the ultimate freedom.
Become an intrapreneur. I.e. find new ways of working within your current organisation. Have we got a course for that. ;)
Request a move to another role in the business. Maybe there’s a department that’s more suited to you?
If you’re keen to learn something new then you might enjoy one of our courses. Learn about topics including social media, intrapreneurship, behavioural economics, fintech, storytelling, happiness and many more.
Check out our homepage and pick the one that’s made for you.
