Pause for the freight train
We've all heard the saying, "Life is a journey, not a destination." The same can be said about our careers. But what happens when that journey feels more like a train that's come to an unexpected halt on the tracks? Maybe you haven’t given much (or, any) thought to how your career journey might be similar to a journey by rail, but let’s give it a whirl. And let’s start by taking a look at the fairly common passenger train experience of the schedule delay.
Amtrak trains in the United States must share the rails with freight trains and freight trains tend to get the priority. According to Amtrak, waiting for freight trains is the largest cause of train delays. Now, picture you. You're comfortably seated, enjoying the journey and also looking forward to reaching your destination, when suddenly, the train comes to an unexpected stop. Several freight trains need to pass through and your train has been forced onto a side rail to wait it out. You're stuck.
Just like a stalled train, a career that isn't progressing can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated. The destination—be it a promotion, a new skill, or a career milestone—seems increasingly out of reach. The journey that once felt exciting and purposeful now feels like a test of patience and resilience. You've been working diligently in your job, hitting all your targets, and yet, you're still in the same position you were in years ago. No promotions, no new responsibilities, and worst of all, no new skills. This is the epitome of stalled progress in a career. It's a frustrating scenario that many professionals face at some point.
In a thriving career, progress is marked by continuous growth, new challenges, and upward mobility. When these elements are missing, it's easy to feel stuck, disengaged, and unmotivated. You might start questioning your career choices, feeling undervalued, and even considering a complete career change.
While being stuck can feel like a permanent state, it's important to remember that there are steps you can take to get your career moving again. Here are some strategies to help you overcome stalled progress:
Assess Your Situation: Take a step back and evaluate your current role. Identify what's causing the stagnation. Is it a lack of opportunities within your organization? Is it a skills gap? Understanding the root cause is the first step in addressing the issue.
Set New Goals: Sometimes, we get stuck because we haven't set clear goals for our career. Define what success looks like for you and set achievable milestones to work towards.
Seek Feedback: Talk to your manager or a mentor about your desire to progress. Seek constructive feedback on what you can improve and ask for support in achieving your goals.
Invest in Yourself: Consider further education, certifications, or training to acquire new skills that can make you more valuable in your current role or more competitive for new opportunities.
Network: Building relationships within and outside your organization can open doors to new opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with peers on LinkedIn.
Stay Positive and Patient: Progress takes time. Celebrate small wins along the way to maintain your motivation.
Feeling stuck in your career is like being on a train journey that's stalled. It's frustrating, and disheartening, and can leave you feeling powerless. However, by assessing your situation, setting new goals, seeking feedback, investing in yourself, networking, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can overcome this period of stalled progress and get your career back on track.
Feeling stalled out? Want a jump start? Schedule a free career strategy session: https://calendly.com/northdawncoach/career-strategy-consultation