It can be hard to identify a plateau at first. In fact, they’re almost defined by the continued movement at the same level without variation. Things at work may still be going smoothly so you don’t notice the lack of advancement or new challenges. Perhaps you don’t realize you’re experiencing one now. If you’re unsure, here are five signs you hit a plateau in your career and how you can fix it.
1. You don’t come to work with a passion
When you first started your job, you were likely excited to the do the work or at least to learn how. Now, every day is part of your routine with small variations. You don’t hate the work, but there’s no emotion behind any of it.
How to fix it: Talk to your supervisor about new projects or working with other departments to help you regain some of your lost passion for the work.
2. You’ve stopped learning
Similar to passion, when you first start in a role it’s a marathon of learning new things. As time goes on, you stop learning new things and instead are complacent with what you know. Beyond the lack of new knowledge, you recognize you no longer have the desire to do it.
How to fix it: Invest in your field more. Read about changes in your industry and new technologies and think about ways you can apply it to your position. If you try this and still have no positive reaction, you may have outgrown your role.
3. Your personal life is or has been chaotic
In some cases, a career plateau welcomes stability while your personal life is upended. In the midst of dealing with it, you may have stopped paying attention to your work. As long you’re still doing your job effectively, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
How to fix it: Examine your life now. Do you still need the comfort of your plateaued position or in the relative calm of your life do you recognize it’s time for a change?
4. You have nowhere left to grow at your company
Plateaus can be forced upon an employee because there just isn’t anywhere else to go. Take a look at your company structure. Have you become comfortable in this place because you know there isn’t something more?
How to fix it: Talk about your aspirations with your supervisor. Determine what else you can do and if it’s ultimately time to move on with your career.
5. Your contribution is lacking
It’s true you’re doing the work as it needs done, but are you leaving anything meaningful? You have your gifts and skills, but you feel like they’re going to waste where you are.
How to fix it: Look for creative ways to get involved at work. Maybe it’s in joining a new project or committee and find ways to use your skills and gifts differently.
Make the big fix with Workbox Staffing
If you’ve tried all of these solutions and still feel like you’re going nowhere, it might be time for a new job. Empower yourself for a better tomorrow and contact Workbox Staffing today.
