Ask Vanessa: How to Move Beyond a Career Plateau?

Hey, Vanessa here! I recently got a question from a subscriber that I think many of you can relate to, so I wanted to dive into it and share some advice.

Q: "Hi Vanessa, I've been in the same role for 5 years and feel stuck in my career. While I'm good at what I do, I'm not sure how to take the next step. Any advice on breaking through this career plateau?"

A: Career plateaus are more common than you might think, and they often signal it's time for some strategic growth.

Here's the strategy I recommended:

1. Start with a Career Audit

• Document your achievements (you'll be surprised how many there are!)
• List the skills you've gained
• Identify what energizes you most about your work

2. Explore Growth Pathways

• Research emerging roles in your industry
• Consider whether you want to go technical or managerial

3. Create Movement (Even Without Promotion)

• Volunteer for cross-functional projects
• Mentor junior colleagues
• Join industry committees
• Build relationships outside your immediate team

Remember: Career growth isn't always vertical. Sometimes, what feels like a plateau is actually the perfect launching pad for your next career move.

Would love to hear from others -- have you experienced a career plateau? How did you overcome it?

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