How to Restart a Stalled Career

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Your career may ebb and flow over the years, but it’s important to understand the difference between one that has slowed down and a career that has reached a plateau. If your role and responsibilities haven’t changed in years, there’s a good chance you are dealing with a stalled career. There are some steps you can take to get your career back on track if you’re committed and ready to put in some hard work.

If you choose to restart your stalled career while staying with the same company, you must work to change management’s perceptions of you. Take the initiative to identify problems that need solving or gaps that need closure at the company, and work on those to shift the focus onto you as a key player. You may find that making a career change by transferring to a new department shakes things up enough to give you the boost you need.

Talk with your boss about your stalled career. Discuss your current role and responsibilities, and then review the department and company hierarchy. Be very open and honest as you talk to your manager about where you see yourself advancing in the organization and what you need to do to get there. Focus on changing your attitude. Let go of any negativity and complacency, and shift to a positive and proactive mindset.

You may find that your stalled career needs a huge shift to get back on track. Don’t be afraid to look for new opportunities with another company or within another industry, and prepare yourself for a more junior role or lower-paying job when you do land something new. Expect to work hard and take risks to establish yourself at your new company. With your new career change, positive mindset and focus on the future, you should find yourself advancing quickly through the new ranks and establishing yourself as a vital member of the new organization.

Whether you opt to remain with your current company or to make it in a new organization, you may find that acquiring new skills or pursuing professional credentials may get you back on track quickly. Consider pursuing an advanced degree or taking specific classes to earn certification. While this may eat into your personal time, it’s well worth the effort in the long run. You will learn something new while showing your employer that you are dedicated to becoming a better employee.

If you think your career is going nowhere, don’t get discouraged. Getting your stalled career back on track may take some time, but it’s well worth the effort. Whether you want financial gain through salary increases or a newly found sense of pride in your job, learning to adapt to change to give your career a fresh start ensures that you reach your goal.

 

Photo courtesy of Flazingo.com at Flickr.com

 

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  • Iris H.
    Iris H.

    Thank you - now i have to think about it what you've recommand. But it shoes me the problem isn't less the opposite person or company aids - it's more the question to find out what can i give or what have i given, isn't it ... and more difficult where am i going next. LG iris

  • Charles C.
    Charles C.

    Thanks John, I am working on it.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Mary - think about what you want to do. To reach your goal, would you require more education? Could you volunteer somewhere to get the experience that you need? It is really tough being in a dead end job - knowing that you will never go any further. So just start thinking about what you really want and work towards that end. But remember, even a dead end job is still a job. What is that expression - don't throw the baby out with the bath water? That would apply here. Don't leave until you have a sure thing. And remember, too, it's easier to get a job when you already have one.

  • Mary H.
    Mary H.

    What do you doe when you are in dead end job

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