Have you ever felt stuck in your career, like you’re not making any progress or enjoying what you do? Maybe your dad has told you that you will plateau in your career and you should just settle for what you have. But is he right?
A career plateau is a situation where you feel that you have reached the limit of your growth, learning, and satisfaction in your current job. It can happen for many reasons, such as lack of opportunities, lack of motivation, lack of skills, or lack of passion. It can also affect your self-esteem, happiness, and well-being.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people experience career plateaus at some point in their lives, and they can be overcome with some strategies and actions. Here are some tips on how to break through a career plateau and follow your dreams.
Figure out what you actually want to do, not what you think you should
Sometimes, we choose careers based on external factors, such as family expectations, social pressure, or financial security. But these factors may not align with our true interests, values, and goals. As a result, we may feel bored, frustrated, or unhappy with our work.
To find out what you really want to do, you need to do some self-reflection and soul-searching. Ask yourself questions like: What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my passions and hobbies? What are my values and beliefs? What are my short-term and long-term goals? What kind of work environment and culture do I prefer? What kind of impact do I want to make in the world?
You can also take some online assessments, such as personality tests, career aptitude tests, or interest inventories, to get some insights into your preferences and potential. You can also talk to a career coach, a mentor, or a trusted friend to get some feedback and guidance.
Learn new skills and expand your network
One of the reasons why you may feel stuck in your career is because you lack the skills or connections to advance or change your career path. To overcome this, you need to invest in your professional development and network.
You can learn new skills by taking online courses, reading books, watching videos, attending workshops, or enrolling in a degree program. You can also seek feedback from your boss, peers, or customers on how to improve your performance and value. You can also volunteer for projects, assignments, or roles that challenge you and expose you to new areas of expertise.
You can expand your network by attending events, joining groups, or reaching out to people who work in your field or industry. You can also ask for informational interviews, referrals, or introductions from your existing contacts. You can also use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, to showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with influencers and experts.
By learning new skills and expanding your network, you can increase your confidence, credibility, and visibility. You can also discover new opportunities, trends, and ideas that can help you advance or change your career.
Pursue your passion and take action
The most important thing to break through a career plateau is to pursue your passion and take action. Passion is the fuel that drives you to do what you love, to overcome challenges, and to achieve your goals. Action is the bridge that connects you to your desired outcome.
To pursue your passion, you need to identify what makes you happy, excited, and fulfilled. You need to find your purpose, your why, your reason for being. You need to align your career with your passion, or find ways to incorporate your passion into your career.
To take action, you need to set SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You need to create a plan, a roadmap, a blueprint for your career success. You need to break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and track your progress and results. You need to be proactive, persistent, and resilient. You need to overcome your fears, doubts, and obstacles. You need to seek help, support, and accountability from others.
By pursuing your passion and taking action, you can break through a career plateau and follow your dreams. You can also inspire others, make a difference, and live a fulfilling life.
Your dad may have good intentions, but he doesn’t know everything. You are the only one who can decide what’s best for your career and your life. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. You have the power, the potential, and the possibility to achieve anything you want. You just need to believe in yourself, and take the first step.
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