Rising from your professional plateau

Many people go through phases where they experience a professional plateau. That is where nothing seems to move their career in a direction that is fulfilling or growing. Their jobs — or potential jobs — seem to be falling short of providing a real challenge, even if they pay well and provide an adequate professional status. Excitement and fulfilment seem to fade, and a breakthrough seems elusive.

When stuck in this phase, some may call it stability and others may view at as a dead end and feel the need to do something to shake things up and revive the passion in what they do. It is certainly not just a matter of changing jobs or seeking a promotion. So what is it that can keep you moving forward professionally? The answer is in your ability to unlock what is holding you back.

In many cases, what you’re avoiding is the key to changing your situation. It could be this new role that requires stepping out of your comfort zone. It could be the need to find a new employer who provide better opportunities. It could be going back to school to sharpen your skills to be able to keep up and move forward. It could be simply anything that does not have to happen but it is causing your professional stagnation.

So what could you do to uncover this key step to better career development?

Stay motivated Define your optimal goal

If you’re unhappy with your current situation even if it is functioning, you should have an idea of the source of your dissatisfaction. You could wish for a different type of work, alternative responsibilities or even a totally different path. Even when your optimal situation seems to be far-fetched, don’t totally disregard it. Look closely as what difference it could bring to your life, and focus on how you can achieve this goal through realistic steps — over a period of time.

During this process you may find out that your ideal situation has nothing to do with your job. If your personal life has stalled or you have overlooked building successful relationships, this could be the cause of your dissatisfaction and, in this case, you could spare your career any unnecessary changes.

Don’t settle

If you’re not in a bad position, you probably don’t want to rock any boats. Change is risky. What if voicing your dissatisfaction hurts you at your workplace? What if taking continued education classes turn into a time and money drain? What if you go down one path to find it is not the solution? There are always many what ifs, and it is easier and safer to stick with the status quo.

Settling is not the solution, however. Sometimes taking a measurable risk could put you on the right track or at least position you for a change that is meaningful. Pursuing a potential solution could also help you open more doors — and different solutions that you would not think of initially. It is a process that should eventually lead you to a realistic, fully developed solution.

Many career moves or changes are not easy or instant. They could take months or even years, and much could happen during this time. You could get a new job, establish a family, change your financial situation to the better or the worse, or anything else. It would be tempting sometimes to reconsider this long-term plan, especially if it pressures you with time and money requirements.

To keep yourself motivated, immerse yourself in your future plans.

Join professional groups or meetups, take classes or network with professionals who can provide a context for your future position. By doing so, your career move won’t be an isolated action in the midst of changing life. And you hopefully will be able to maintain your enthusiasm even when things get tough.