HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WHILE HAVING A CAREER MID CRISIS

Hi Superstar,

Feeling career-stuck happens to even the best of us. There are some days when we feel,

“What on earth am I even doing here”

On other days, we are career numb, confused, lost, and unmotivated. Sometimes, we feel we have mastered our current level and in need of a new and exciting phase in our careers to learn more and grow in our field of profession. Feeling trapped in your career path is a common experience. It may seem like you’re stuck in a cycle of monotony and dissatisfaction, wondering if there’s something more fulfilling out there for you. To me, when I first wanted to transition to Human consulting, It felt like being in a foggy labyrinth where every turn felt like a dead-end.

But it was the normal process. Because while it’s natural to have moments of doubt and confusion, it’s essential not to let those feelings define your future.

What to Do When You Feel Career Stuck

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge and validate your feelings. Feeling lost or stagnant in your career is a real struggle, and it’s perfectly okay to feel that way. Allow yourself the space to recognize and process those emotions without judgement.

Next, take a step back and reflect on the reason you feel stuck. Is it the monotony of your current role, a lack of growth opportunities, or perhaps a misalignment between your values, purpose and your job? Understanding the root cause can help you formulate a plan to move forward.

Consider exploring your interests and passions outside of work. Sometimes, our career consumes our time to the point where we forget about the things that truly lights us up and gives us a sense of happiness. Engaging in hobbies, volunteering, or learning new skills can reignite your sense of purpose and open up new possibilities.

Don’t be afraid to seek support and guidance from others, whether it’s by talking to a mentor, a career counsellor, or trusted friends and family members, sharing your thoughts and concerns can provide valuable insights and perspective.

And remember, making a change doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start by taking small, actionable steps toward your goals. It could be by learning new skills, updating your resume, networking with professionals in your desired field, or researching potential career paths.

Above all, be patient and kind to yourself throughout this process. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a fulfilling career. Trust in your abilities and believe that brighter days are ahead. You have the resilience and strength to overcome this hurdle and emerge with a successful, happy career which gives you a sense of purpose.

Reasons Why You May Feel Stuck At Your Job

1. Lack of Growth Opportunities: When there are limited avenues for advancement or skill development within your current role, it’s easy to feel stagnant and trapped in a state of professional inertia. Take matters into your own hands, attain relevant certifications, this will make you more knowledgeable and open your mind to various exploits you can embark on, be it on your own or in your current role.
2. Mismatched Values: If your values are at odds with those of your employer or the work you’re tasked with, it can create a profound sense of disillusionment and moral conflict, leaving you feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
3. Toxic Work Environment: Hostile or toxic workplace dynamics, characterised by gossip, micromanagement, or lack of support, can poison morale and make even the most talented individuals feel trapped in a toxic cycle. Moving on from such places is an art many are yet to master.
4. Lack of Recognition or Appreciation: When your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated by management or colleagues, it can breed feelings of resentment and demotivation, leaving you feeling undervalued and unacknowledged.
5. Burnout: Chronic stress, overwhelming workload, and a lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout, sapping your energy and enthusiasm for your job, and leaving you feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. From time to time, try to focus on life outside work and events that make you happy.
6. Limited Creativity and Autonomy: Being micromanaged or constrained by rigid protocols can stifle creativity and autonomy, stifling innovation and leaving you feeling like a cog in a machine rather than a valued contributor.
7. Financial Concerns: If your job doesn’t provide financial stability or doesn’t align with your financial goals, it can create anxiety and uncertainty about your future, making it difficult to see a way out of your current situation. To be fair, prioritising yourself financially isn’t a selfish thing to do. We all need money to achieve the standard of lifestyle we envision for ourselves.
8. Lack of Passion or Purpose: Working in a field or role that doesn’t align with your passions or sense of purpose can leave you feeling unfulfilled and directionless, questioning the meaningfulness of your work and your place within it. Sometimes, we need a new challenge to give us a sense of purpose, a reason to keep on going and that’s totally fine.
9. Fear of Change: The fear of the unknown or of taking risks can keep you tethered to a job that no longer serves you, even if deep down you know it’s time to move on and pursue new opportunities. You alone are responsible for making that decision.
10. External Obligations or Constraints: External factors such as financial obligations, familial responsibilities, or geographical limitations can make it challenging to pursue career changes or take the necessary steps to break free from feeling stuck.

What is your sole reason for working?

Have you ever pondered on the reason you wake up to go to your 9-5 or your 12 -7?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always associated my self-worth in conjunction with my job. I chose jobs not because I loved the role or the culture but because I cared more about earning money to buy my favourite wigs or cloths. There may be nothing wrong with that, however, those jobs started to feel like a chore and after the second salary payment, everything felt void- no joy nor fulfilment.

Working for a big/ high-paying company does look good on your resume, but it’s not the only thing that you should consider to be successful. Success can be rarely measured by someone’s job or wealth. The true definition of success derives from the ability to do something that you truly love, to do it well and to find blissful happiness in it. The increase in job insecurity and layoffs has made me realise that nothing is permanent, most jobs are a temporary state and can change at any moment.

So ensure your identity is defined by what you love, what you dream of, what you value, and who you cherish.

You are more than your job. Make the effort to recognize that each day and you’ll likely find meaning and freedom you never thought possible