When starting over is not an option…

If you are finding yourself stuck where you are, and have been trying everything by the book and under the sun and yet nada, understandably, you’d be wise to start thinking about trying something new and out of your box.?

When you have been experiencing stagnation, the thought of embarking on a new career path is both exhilarating and daunting: new challenges, less of the same old, same old, the opportunity to start afresh in a new environment.

However, …, as exciting as the prospect of something new may sound, the reality of starting over isn't always practical or feasible for everyone - financial responsibilities, personal commitments, or the risks that come with a career change can stop the most motivated person in their tracks.

Luckily, there are still exciting and expansive ways to reinvent your professional lives within your current roles for more personal and professional rejuvenation.

Understand first what is holding you back: legit or not?

Before making any significant changes either by deciding it’s time to move on, or giving up the idea altogether, it’s good to understand what could be holding you back.?

Could it be the “sunk cost fallacy”? you continue doing something because of what you already invested in, even when the current costs outweigh the benefits.? Do you feel compelled to stay in your current job because of the time and energy you've already invested in it, despite it no longer serving your best interests or career aspirations.?

With the one issue ruled out, consider the other reasons that make moving into a new career not an option.?

Financial responsibilities can make it risky to pursue a less stable or lower-paying career. Family commitments or health issues may also require a steady income or specific benefits your current job provides. These factors are legit considerations because they can significantly impact your ability to transition into a new field without undue stress or risk.

At this point, you may have made the (conscious and logical) decision that it is not wise nor advisable to make that big of a leap of faith. So let’s make a plan that will still make you feel challenged and expanded.

Shift your perspective

The journey to finding new excitement in your current job often starts with a mental shift.?

How you perceive your role and its potential impacts your job satisfaction significantly. Begin by taking stock of what your job entails and reflect on the broader impact of your work.

What value do I add? How does my work align with my personal values? How am I making an impact, on a daily basis??

Sometimes, simply shifting your focus to the positive aspects of your job can uncover new dimensions and opportunities for growth. This refreshed perspective can transform meh tasks into meaningful interactions, making the familiar feel new and exciting.?

Reminding yourself how you impact others will reconnect you to your “mission”, ultimately encouraging you to change your perspective and give you a sense of purpose in what you do.

Master new domains within your existing environment

Expanding your horizons within your current workplace can also breathe new life into your career.

Look for opportunities to engage with new projects or take on roles that challenge you in different ways. This might involve stepping into a mentorship role, leading a challenging project, or joining a cross-functional team that allows you to work outside your usual remit.

Each step not only builds your resume but also injects a sense of challenge and enthusiasm back into your work life. Mastering new domains shows initiative and can lead to unexpected career opportunities within your current organization.

Acquire new skills to enhance and make your career recession-proof

Along the lines of learning for more and better, think about the emerging skills in your industry and how you can later leverage those: online courses, workshops, or hands-on projects. For example, learning about data analytics might open up new insights in your field; mastering digital tools could increase your efficiency and effectiveness at work.

Developing new skills not only enriches your professional profile but also keeps you intellectually engaged and prepared for future changes in your industry.

Identify and engage with your energizers

Having to give up the idea of changing careers can be soul-crushing.? After the initial acceptance, I encourage you to find ways to reinvigorate your daily work life.?

And the most immediate way is to identify what specifically energizes you about your job.

These energizers could be the tasks that you look forward to, interactions that leave you feeling inspired, or certain times of the day when you feel most productive.

Once identified, try to structure your day around these energizers. Discuss with your manager about tailoring your role to incorporate more of these aspects.

By aligning your job more closely with what naturally motivates you, you can feel more validated and motivated to take your current job to its next level.

Strive for a better work/life balance

Here is a thought: what if not having the option of moving out was a redirection rather than a loss? What if staying where you are is an invitation to explore new ways of doing things, or relaxing and enjoying what you have worked so hard for?

Overachievers tend to pressure themselves into doing more and better.? It’s great until it isn’t.? That is when they start experiencing burnout, and not getting results.

What if right now is not a setback, but a new opportunity to learn to compartmentalize and set better boundaries?

Though the idea of starting fresh is appealing, it's often not the only path to fulfillment.

By embracing new strategies within your current role, you can discover new passion and excitement in your career without the risks associated with a complete career overhaul. Not only are you enhancing your professional life but also enriching your personal growth, proving that sometimes the best start is where you are, right now.

? 2024 Mayda Poc Coaching. All Rights Reserved. This document is provided for informational purposes only