You’re feeling stuck in your career. What’s the best way to get unstuck?

The thrill is gone… We have all felt this way at various points of our careers and in our relationships. We feel stagnant , held back, dissatisfied, unstimulated, dull and unhappy. Studies have shown that 70% of employees’ FIRST reaction is to look OUTSIDE of their organisation to become ‘unstuck’. AND the NUMBER 1 reason for people leaving? -Belief that there is no opportunity for career progression in their company. (Global Workforce of the Future report 2022-Adecco Group ) How to get unstuck in your career( or life ) ? This is a head & heart decision that needs deep reflection and conversation. Career conversations are one of the most important conversations we must have in our lives. TALK BEFORE YOU JUST WALK!

In my dentistry career, I've been dedicated to reaching my best potential and exploring diverse opportunities across different parts of India. However, after gaining over two years of valuable experience, I've faced a recurring issue during job applications. When discussing roles, the conversation often leads to salary negotiations. I expressed my salary expectations for the position, but later, the employers mentioned an inability to meet those figures. This situation has made me reconsider my career direction. I believe ensuring that I'm not undervalued or taken advantage of in any professional setting is essential.

In my opinion, someone can engage in networking activities, attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with individuals who can provide guidance, mentorship, or potential job opportunities.

One of the most challenging things I've done for myself is give a long & hard look in the mirror and questioned if I recognized the person in the reflection. It may be a shock at first if you don't, but the magic happens during the change process. As long as you are honest with yourself about your goals and take steps towards it, you can never fail. We may fall, it may hurt, but perseverance will get you where you need to be to feel those positive emotions when you look into that mirror the next time around.

Stuck? This was me in 2023. - Confide in a colleague you trust. - Allow that colleague(s) to hold you accountable. - Isolate the perceived root cause. - Take action. Bet on yourself. How? Volunteer for bigger organizational projects that align with your 'gaps'. After 4-5 topics that I contributed to over a 18-24 month span, the organization started to see my desired change as less of a risk and more of an advantage. Win-win. Takeaway: Change course before you change ships

Think differently. Inspire yourself on different sources of knowledge and people that is a role model for you. If you keep your current thinking framing, you are going to continue like you are and as everybody. If you adopt a different view, maybe you will be original. But for it, courage is fundamental.

As a dentist, I've delved into exploring diverse career avenues beyond clinical practice. This journey involves researching various options like dental education, public health, research, administration, consultancy, and writing. I'm seeking a path that aligns with my skills, values, and desire for career growth and work-life balance. Patience is key as I navigate and learn about these opportunities, aiming for a role that resonates best with my aspirations

It is so important that we, as individuals, keep ourselves "open". This means being open to learn new things, try new areas and experiences, and being open to conversation. You can learn so much about yourself by getting out of your comfort zone. It also opens you up to finding new opportunities, whether that be within your existing role and company, or elsewhere.

Exploring your options is important- and so is understanding what you want from your new role. Create a list of 5 things you want from your new role, and keep 2 as non negotiable items. Work on finding and building on those two and march forward.

Never stop looking. Sharks never stop swimming and you should never stop looking at opportunities. It will both let you know what is available and what a fair salary is. This can help you internally with negotiations or asking for new roles/responsibilities you see in those job descriptions. That or you can apply to the ones you really are interested in and take a next step professionally. Window shopping never hurts and sometimes you find the bargain of the decade.

If you are working for a supportive company, talk with your leadership and explore "flex role" opportunities. Whether you put a formal plan in place or simply take on some different projects, these flex opportunities can help shake up your day-to-day. If you are NOT working for a supportive company or leadership team, this is when you need to have a serious conversation with yourself and ask if your job is still serving you. If the answer is no, that is your indication to explore other opportunities with a new place.

Focus on your personal wellness. Ensure you take breaks and walk away from your computer. Prioritize activities that bring you joy outside of work, spend time with friends and family. Read books that inspire you, and revisit old hobbies. Join groups at work to increase your motivation: Volunteer/Philanthropy, DEIB, Toastmasters. Build relationships with your collaborative colleagues. By focusing on your personal wellbeing and finding ways to build positive connections, you can find a renewed passion within your career.

Experiments will surely add value, but due to business reasons we hardly find the encouraging opportunities in the organization

Isso (experimentar e aprender) é ótimo e quebra possíveis idealiza??es que podemos ter. Uma coisa é querer fazer aquilo, outra coisa é gostar de fazer; o que só descobrimos quando praticamos. Além das sugest?es do post (ser voluntário, estagiário ou freelancer), cogite transformar essa coisa em um Plano B. Exemplo: você trabalha na indústria farmacêutica, mas está pensando em fazer p?es para vender (sua grande paix?o). Comece a fazer isso!

Analisou, explorou, testou e chegou a conclus?o que quer fazer aquilo? Agora é planejar a transi??o. Se prepare emocionalmente e financeiramente. E digo isso, porque n?o controlamos tudo na vida e, no momento da frustra??o (ex: a coisa n?o acontece na velocidade que imaginou), você pode come?ar a questionar a sua decis?o; já passei por isso várias vezes. Mas se você passou por todas as etapas anteriores, lembre-se, você n?o tomou a decis?o errada ??

Getting unstuck and making a change can be a scary concept, especially when considering a career. It can be hard to know for sure if that change will be an overall good or bad thing. The reality is this - we can learn from all our experiences and grow from them. We need to find ways to constantly challenge ourselves, if that means a new environment or simply changing our approach, it is worth the consideration and implementation. You can't drive a parked car.

The idea of a career is only that... An idea. It's an idea that you don't have to agree with. Be open with all that comes with being free from an identity of work. You are stuck for a reason. This may be the perfect opportunity to try something different.

Beyond looking for opportunities within your career, you can also seek learning and enrichment with volunteer options. Finding a cause or organization that is meaningful to you can help to fulfill your desire to make an impact and will also give meaning to your time beyond what you do for a living. Volunteering is also a great way to try new career avenues or ventures without losing the security of your current job.

às vezes as transi??es acontecem por escolha da vida e n?o nossa (foi o meu caso). Se isso acontecer com você, aproveite essa oportunidade também. Nessa hora, a prepara??o financeira e emocional que disse anteriormente pode n?o existir. Tenha calma, busque solu??es emergenciais e de curto prazo e se planeje para essa transi??o for?ada. Por fim e falando por mim e para mim: acredite, tudo dará certo ??