Has your career started to stagnate? Are you just not seeing the career advancement you hoped for? Here are some of the issues that you might be experiencing and the solutions you need.
You’re Too Settled
It is possible that you’re simply too comfortable in the career that you have right now. Perhaps it’s providing a decent wage. There isn’t too much stress, pressure or challenges and you’re fairly happy. Well, not happy but content? Shake this feeling if you want to career advancement. Be ready to take some risks, even if they are not all going to pay off immediately. You have to be willing to shake things up a little.
You Don’t Have The Basics Down
You might find that the reason you’re not experiencing career advancement is that you don’t have command of the basics. It could be time to go back to school and get some of the teachings that you missed? This is going to be your best option if you are struggling to get any attention from employers. It’s worth noting that these days high school doesn’t always mean heading back to a classroom. With companies like Ontario Virtual School, you can study when you want where you want, however you want. It’s very freeing and completely flexible.
You’re In The Wrong Career
Perhaps it is that you’re just not in the right career for you right now. It’s possible that you need to re-evaluate and consider making a change. If you’re in the wrong career, then you’re going to have no drive or interest in moving forward. So, why put the effort into something that you hate? A lot of people think that they are stuck with their first choice of career. That’s just not the case. If you want to change you can. However, you need to be ready to take the first step.
You Don’t Know How To Play The Game
Paying your dues in business is part of rising through the ranks. If you can’t do this or you’re unwilling then you will be in a situation where you won’t be seen as a team player. This will mean that you’re quickly dismissed for promotions and other opportunities leading to career growth. Ultimately, you need to pay your dues. Journalism is a good example of this. The last person in a journalism business is always going to be working on Christmas Day that year, just in case any big stories break.
Your Industry is Dying
It is possible that you aren’t in the right industry right now. A lot of industries and job sectors are dying. This is natural and it happens for a variety of reasons. Right now, the biggest shakeup is tech. Tech is bringing in solutions which mean a lot of jobs are going to be obsolete. For instance, you shouldn’t plan on working as a driver. By 2035, it’s expected that this job isn’t going to be needed because we’ll have level 5 autonomous cars. These are vehicles that don’t require a person behind the wheel. News writing is another one. Yes, there are digital brands now but print is virtually completely dead. No one buys papers anymore and it’s unlikely that the industry will ever see a resurgence.
If you want an industry that you should focus on then IT would be a good bet. Some people are going back to college right now and spending hundreds of thousands to gain tech knowledge to work for a big brand like Twitter. If this sounds crazy, you probably don’t know the salaries that top execs and creative thinkers at these companies receive. They are well in the 100K range annually.
You’re Not Goal Oriented Enough
Maybe you’re just not focusing enough on what you want to achieve. It’s important to recognize and be aware of the fact that every job industry today is incredibly competitive. Being prepared, putting your best foot forward and making sure that you are putting in the work and indeed the effort. You can’t and shouldn’t expect opportunities to fall in your lap. Also, you shouldn’t simply rely on your dream of being an Instagram star to come true. It probably won’t and with the new like ban, that industry could soon be dead.
You have to make sure that you are dedicating time in your week and indeed your daily schedule to specifically enhancing your career. If you don’t do this, then you’re easily going to be overtaken by someone who is more focused on goals and wants to succeed.
Haven’t Put yourself Out There
Should you only apply for positions that you are fully qualified for? Well, it may surprise you to learn that experts often debate this and can’t seem to come to a conclusion. Some argue, perhaps rightfully so, that an employer will dismiss a candidate without the right qualifications in seconds. Others suggest that if you have something unique such as a high level of experience or great references, an employer will still consider you. They might even front the cost it will take to get you up to speed in an area that you’re missing.
Now there’s no guarantee this will happen but you should never underestimate the potential value of an employee with drive. This could be you and if so, you might not need to worry too much about not having all the right qualifications. It’s just one example of how it can actually pay to be willing to put yourself out there and ensure that you aren’t playing it too safe.
We hope this helps you understand some of the reasons why your career might not be going in the right direction. Remember, it can take a little time to find the right job for you so don’t be afraid to keep searching. It’s important not to get stuck. We spend 30% of our lives at work. That’s too long to be in a position that you hate.
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