How To Get Out Of Your Career Rut

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At least a few times a week, I'll get an email from someone on LinkedIn or one of our Work It Daily members asking for help because they feel "stuck" in their current career. There is usually a hopeless or lost feeling that comes with this mentality because it's a difficult situation for any professional to be in.

While every career story is different; nearly every single time someone tells me this, the reason for their professional roadblock is always the same.

If Your Career Isn't Growing; It's Dying

Think of your career as a houseplant. One clear sign the vegetation is dying is based on its ability to grow. Once the leaves turn brown or the stems begin to droop, it's an obvious indication there is a problem. The same goes for your career. This is why it's important to overcome career roadblocks or ruts when you encounter them.

If you're feeling stuck in your current position, chances are it's not a reflection on who you are as a professional - even if it may feel that way. Instead, this rut is due to a lack of attractive options. What propels us forward as professionals is a career direction that excites us. Motivation comes easier when it is a necessity to achieve this exciting option.

To put it simply, as professionals, we need to be inspired by a career decision in order to act on it and make the dream a reality.

Falling In Love With Your Career...Again

The thought of a new and exciting career path may thrill but also terrify you right now; and this is okay! This is a new adventure in your career story so it's perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions right now. Part of the reason for your fear may be due to insecurity over the thought of what comes next.

To help you get started; I've outlined a 4-step exercise I successfully utilize with job seekers and professionals within my program:

Step 1: Identify someone who has a career that inspires you.

Step 2: Map out what you think the main tasks of the job entails.

Step 3: Choose which task(s) sound the most exciting to you.

Step 4: Identify a way you could learn more and improve your skills with respect to becoming more proficient at this task.

This Common Misconception Is the #1 Cause Of Career Roadblocks

There is this misleading idea that in order for someone to continue forward professionally, there needs to be this huge career move. This idea can be crippling to some professionals and job seekers leaving them in a career rut, but this toxic mentality actually this the farthest thing from the truth.

The reality is, it starts with the simple concept of getting better at a skill you want to leverage in the future by working it daily. By taking action every day, you'll be opening up doors for new opportunities. Additionally, your perspectives will change into a more positive and productive mindset as you grow your skills. All it takes is a little mapping and modeling as outlined above.

Change Can Be Scary, Don't Go Through It Alone

If you're still feeling unsure of your career direction, remember it's okay to ask for help!

My company, WorkItDaily has a team of trained career support specialists that will work 1-1 with you to help you determine your next steps! All of our memberships offer this private coaching along with unlimited networking potential, and a library of exclusive career courses. Additionally and for no extra cost, you'll also receive unlimited resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews by our trained specialists as part of our membership.

Interested? Because you read my article, I'd like to offer a limited-time discount on our services!

If you're up for it, I'd love for you to try out my 4-step process in the comments. Be sure to use the hashtags #JTTalkJobs & #CareerSuccess so we can all join in the conversation!

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P.S.S. If you don't think a membership to my company's career coaching service is for you (yet).

At Work It Daily, we put together the following free career growth tools for you:

• A guide to all the common resume mistakes.

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• Laid Off And Looking. How to Bounce Back After You've Been Let Go

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