5 Effective Ways on How to Turn Around Career Stagnation

In 2015, Gallup Poll revealed that 32% of American employees were actively engaged in their jobs. The majority were doing the work on an autopilot. It was an alarming figure, as it revealed that most Americans were stagnating in the office.

There's a difference between stagnating and disliking your job. The symptoms of career stagnation don't include the feeling that you are forced on doing what you shouldn't do at all. It might be worse, as stagnation implies that you're not really engaged on the tasks that you must finish during working hours. You don't see a future in the company or it may be something else.

The Telltale Signs of Downturn

You're getting bored in the office. You're too good or the tasks don't challenge you at all. You might question your motivation on this one. If there's no problem in this area, then you should look at your responsibilities thoroughly. You may be thinking of your efficiency (or success) too seriously. It's not a good sign because it can lead to an unexpected misstep. You can be dismissed from it. Your boss may notice it first, so a performance bonus (or higher pay). You accept it, which is the right thing to do. It renews your vigor, but it's a fleeting phase. Don't discount it.

You're becoming negative (or your family and friends notice it first). You're becoming grumpy at times, and there are a number of occasions when it shows when you least expect it. This low-grade annoyance makes you bitter sometimes, also critical of colleagues. You won't get into trouble if you hold your tongue, but it's a question of how long you can manage it. Does it help if you let your family know about it? You might have a change of mind if they suggest about your finding another job.

You're fixing the problem of others in the office. The only way to beat the boredom is to get busy, and you manage to find ways. In fact, you help your coworker's problems. Your boss may see it differently, though. Don't be surprised if your boss will admire you from afar. Will you get the chance to be promoted on the next performance evaluation? It depends if you can keep it up.

It's been years since your last promotion. Your boss thinks you're good at what you're doing, so there's no reason to look for another one to help you. You believe it until you notice that doing the same thing over and over again becomes a challenging task. Is there more to what you're doing? You may think of setting a meeting with your boss and talk about it. (A lunch meeting seems good enough.) You can talk to your workmate, but think twice. You can be misinterpreted. It can get you in hot water.

There's no chance of acquiring knowledge, if not learning new skills. This is a disturbing sign, as not dealing with it can make you outdated. It might mean that the company has nothing to offer anymore, but there's something else. Are you no more a resource for the organization? Pay attention to your surroundings. Are you not a favorable choice? You might be thinking of how to say it to your boss, if not a colleague who is experiencing the same symptoms. Be observant.

Your Next Step

A wise professional won't do drastic action after noticing symptoms. You need to think it over, but there is a right time and right place to do it. Why not forget about it for a moment? Go out with your friends. This can be the best option if you haven't met your buddies for some time. You can also a suggest a holiday with your loved one(s). The distraction is what you need to look at the matter differently.

If you suspect that the company is going downhill, then make sure that you won't end up empty handed during the worst scenario. (A recession or redundancy.) Make an effort to look for other opportunities. You should have an extensive network, where you can make a passing about the latest in your field. You can be bold enough to ask about a possible opportunity, but don't expect a favorable response right away. There are instances when it's a matter of luck.

You can make immediate action on this one condition: There are no great opportunities for growth in the company. You should know when you're fully aware of it. Your family and workmates notice your restlessness. You become anxious about job security, if not your very own future. The company's premises are deteriorating gradually, yet the management is doing little about it. Your boss may be grateful for your sticking around, but think of your own welfare. It's not nice if it's affecting you, such that you tend to be withdrawn at times. It affects your sleeping pattern. It can lead to other problems. It's time to look for another job.