10 strategies when you are feeling 'stuck' at work

Feeling stuck in your career is a situation many people can relate to.

You know you're unhappy in your current role, but the path forward is unclear, and it's challenging to think creatively when you are busy with work all day.

The sense of being trapped can be overwhelming, there might be lots of options, but how to decide what to do next?

In this blog, I include 10 actionable steps to help you regain clarity, discover your true self, and ultimately navigate a fulfilling career path.

Stagnation in your career can manifest in various ways. It's that feeling of being in a rut, where each day feels like a repetitive cycle without any meaningful progress. You might notice a growing sense of disinterest, dissatisfaction, or even despair about your work. The routine becomes monotonous, and the excitement you once had for your job diminishes. It's as though you're standing at a crossroads, knowing that you need to make a change but uncertain about the direction to take.

Taking Action to Get Unstuck

When you find yourself stuck in your career, it's crucial to break free from this inertia. While it may seem daunting, taking action, no matter how small, is the first step towards change. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate your way out of this challenging situation:

1. Start with Conversations: Talking to trusted friends, family, or mentors about your career concerns can provide valuable insights and support. They may offer a fresh perspective or introduce you to opportunities you hadn't considered. It's also beneficial to voice your concerns and get it out of your head.

2. Self-Discovery: Take time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and what truly makes you happy. What are your long-term goals and dreams? Self-discovery is an essential part of finding a career path that aligns with your requirements. Some initial questions could be; what do I need from my career or what life do I want to lead and how will my job fit into that?

3. Skills Inventory: Assess your skills and strengths. What are you good at? What skills have you developed in your current role that can be transferable to other positions? What are your strengths, when are you at your best at work? Understanding your abilities can guide you towards new career opportunities.

4. Examine Your Values: Your core values play a significant role in your career satisfaction. Identify what values matter most to you in a job, whether it's work-life balance, social impact, learning, autonomy, or something else. Aligning your values with your career can lead to a more fulfilling path.

5. Energising Activities: Consider the tasks or activities that energize and inspire you. These are often indicators of your true passions and can guide you toward a career that ignites your enthusiasm.

6. Mind Mapping: Creating a mind map can help you visualize your thoughts and ideas about your career. This visual representation can clarify your goals, ambitions, and the steps you need to take to achieve them.

7. Set Short-Term Goals: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break your career transition into manageable steps. Set short-term goals that lead you in the right direction and track your progress.

8. Networking: Expand your professional network by attending industry events, seminars, and conferences. Connecting with like-minded individuals can lead to new opportunities and insights.

9. Education and Training: Consider acquiring new skills or furthering your education if it aligns with your career goals. A little warning; be careful with this step! Sometimes we believe to change to a different career that we need to do a course, but this is not always the case. Before you sign up for further education, check with experts in the area if a qualification is required.

10. Seek Guidance from a Career Coach: I doubt it's surprising that I would suggest this! It doesn't need to be an external Career Coach. Perhaps you have coaches in your organisation, you might be able to access free coaching from your EAP or through your university. A Career Coach can provide personalised guidance and support you navigate the complexities of your career change. They will also provide a safe space for you to step back and look at your career objectively.

The Journey Toward Clarity

It's important to remember that finding clarity in your career can be a process. It may not happen overnight, and that's perfectly normal. You might encounter setbacks and moments of doubt along the way, but these are all part of the journey.

As you implement these steps and gradually regain a sense of direction, you'll start to see your career path with fresh eyes. You'll discover that it's possible to break free from feeling stuck and create a future that truly resonates with your aspirations and desires. Your career should be a source of personal growth and fulfillment, and with the right approach, it can be just that.

Are there any other strategies you would recommend in becoming 'unstuck'? I'd love to hear what worked for you.