Eight Proven Tips to Overcome Career Stagnation and Feel Unstuck
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Lately potential clients keep saying to me, ‘I feel stuck’.
When I probe further people tell me it relates to feeling stuck in the job they are in, they don’t know what they want or where to go from here in their career. But they do know that they want to make a change and get clear on how they can find their ideal career path.
Feeling stuck in your career can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you're in a job that doesn’t excite you anymore, struggling with growth, or uncertain about what comes next, that feeling of stagnation is real—and it can weigh heavily on you. The good news is that there are practical ways to regain momentum and reignite your passion for work.
A phrase I always use when helping clients find their ideal career path is to start from ‘the inside out’.
“The sad news is that nobody owes you a career. Your career is literally your business. You own it as a sole proprietor. You have one employee – yourself..”
Here are my eight tips to help you feel unstuck in your career. But the first tip is to get yourself a notebook and start writing down the answers to the questions I pose below.
1. Reflect and reevaluate your goals
Sometimes feeling stuck is a sign that your career goals no longer align with who you are. Sit back and reflect on what you want. Ask yourself:
· What aspects of my current role do I enjoy the most?
· What skills do I want to use more often?
· Where do I see myself in five years?
Reflecting on these questions can bring clarity and help you focus on a path that’s more motivating for you. It’s okay if your goals have changed. It might mean it’s time to set new ones.
2. Look back
This is your opportunity to look back at where you’ve come from and what events have shaped your career so far – both the highs and the lows. Write a short autobiography highlighting 5 or 6 peak experiences or difficulties you’ve encountered in your life that you believe have shaped who you are (think “whole life” here, not just career). Try and identify your ‘stuck point’. Understanding this will guide you in taking the right steps.
3. Figure out what do you love doing
Our greatest satisfaction tends to come from doing what we do best – from playing to our strengths. It’s important to identify your strengths so that your life and work will be fulfilling and enjoyable.
There are two ways you can identify your strengths:
1. Pick five significant people – at least two of whom know you in a work capacity - and ask each of them to tell you what they believe are your three greatest strengths. Give them time to think about it. Make a written note of what they tell you.
2. Take a free online test to help you identify your strengths. Two free tests that I use are VIA (Values in Action) and Strengths Profile.
4. Focus on skill development
A key part of the jigsaw of your ideal career is your working skills base.
In a rapidly changing job market, new skills can be the bridge to your next opportunity. Identify any gaps between where you are and where you want to be. Consider taking courses, earning certifications, or attending workshops. Not only will this make you more competitive, but learning something new often sparks motivation and fresh ideas. Taking proactive steps in skill-building can make you feel more in control and better equipped for new opportunities.
5. Seek out mentorship or coaching
It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’re feeling stuck. A mentor or career coach can provide an outside perspective, helping you see potential avenues you might not have considered. They can also offer guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback that can be invaluable as you plan your next steps.
If a formal mentorship isn’t available in your organisation, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in your network. Many people are only too delighted to give you advice, especially if you approach them with specific questions or goals.
6. Broaden your network
Expanding your professional network can open doors and provide fresh perspectives. Attend industry events, join professional associations, or connect with people in roles or industries that interest you. Networking not only increases your visibility but also helps you learn about other paths that could align with your skills and interests.
Networking isn’t just about reaching out; it’s about building genuine relationships. When you engage with people over shared interests, you often gain insight and inspiration that could spark your next big move.
7. Take on stretch projects or consider a lateral move
One way to break out of a rut is by challenging yourself with “stretch projects” that push you beyond your comfort zone. Look for opportunities within your current role to lead new initiatives or collaborate with different teams.
If such opportunities aren’t available in your current role, consider volunteer work or freelance projects that can provide similar challenges. They can be excellent ways to grow and might even lead to unexpected opportunities.
Not all career progression is vertical. Sometimes, a lateral move—switching to a different department or function—can reignite your passion and provide new skills that can eventually boost your upward mobility. A lateral move can expose you to a different aspect of the business, give you a fresh perspective, and broaden your experience, which can be highly valuable in the long run.
8. Prioritise self-care and mental well-being
Career ruts can often be mentally exhausting, affecting both your productivity and motivation. Don’t forget the importance of self-care. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, or simply setting boundaries between work and personal time can help you recharge. If you're feeling especially stuck, taking a break (like a weekend getaway or even a longer sabbatical if possible) can help clear your mind. Often, stepping away from your usual environment can give you the mental space needed to see things in a new light.
Final Thoughts
Feeling stuck in your career can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By reflecting on your goals, expanding your skills, seeking mentorship, and taking care of your well-being, you can gain a renewed sense of purpose and momentum. Remember, every career journey has ebbs and flows; being proactive and open to change is often the key to getting back on track.
Take these steps one at a time, and trust the process—your next career breakthrough could be just around the corner.
Need help finding your ideal career path? Schedule a free call to see if we’re a good fit for working together.
