Do you feel like you might be in a career rut?
If you’re reading this blog post, you’re likely questioning your role or career direction.
I’m sharing some common signs that it might be time for a change and questions to help you pinpoint what’s not working for you.
Sometimes we are so deep in a rut that we don’t even know what to ask ourselves to get out of it.
My goal is to get you the clarity you need to determine whether it’s time to pivot or if it might be possible to make adjustments in your current role to improve your happiness.
So let’s get started…
Below, I list the signs paired with ideas and reflection questions to help you move forward.
You’re feeling tired and depleted
You count the minutes to 5 pm and live for the weekends. You’re feeling numb and go through your days on autopilot. You feel lukewarm in your role and lack motivation. You feel like you’re wasting your time. You may have become so disconnected that you have no energy to change the status quo.
If this sounds like you, ask yourself what’s missing. What has got you feeling this way?
What motivates you? Is there something you could implement in your workday that could re-energize you? What would an ideal workday look like for you?
Your values are out of alignment
You know something doesn’t feel right, and you’re feeling unfulfilled.
First and foremost, I hope you are clear about your values. If you have not done the values exercise, it’s ok; one is sent to you by email for free in a pdf when you sign up for my newsletter on my website. Understanding your top three values is highly beneficial. When our values are out of alignment, we are generally not happy. Once you’re clear on your values, you can use them as your compass for your life and career, ensuring you prioritize the things that matter most to you.
You’re not using your strengths
You know that you are capable of so much more and don’t feel like you are making an impact at work. You’re not being challenged in the work you do. You’re bored.
Can you tweak your role to incorporate more of what you’re good at? Maybe it’s asking your boss for new challenges. It could be taking on a stretch assignment in another department. Perhaps it’s mentoring a colleague. The goal is to ensure you exercise more of what you’re good at and enjoy doing. I can’t remember where I heard this, but they say that exercising your strengths for two hours daily greatly affects how you feel.
Your mood is being affected outside of work
Your personal life is affected by your mood. Perhaps you’re staying in a role that makes you unhappy, but stay for the salary but know deep down that you can’t do this forever. At the same time, in your spare time, you’re not looking for other opportunities because you’re too exhausted. You get the Sunday night blues and dread Monday morning.
Is there anything in your current role you can change that will positively impact how you’re feeling? If the answer is no, what is the long-term impact if you don’t change the status quo? What can you start doing today to prioritize yourself and your well-being? What are you willing to change? What small step can you take today to start changing your current circumstances?
You envy others who love their jobs and are passionate about the work they do
I’m here to tell you you can have this as well!
Look backward in your career and think about the career highlights where you felt at your best. Is there a way that you could incorporate more of that into your current role? If it’s impossible, look around to see what roles exist where you can do more of what lights you up.
It’s so difficult when we feel stuck, and sometimes all we need is to pause and think about what can be possible. When I’m being coached, a few simple questions often help me find solutions.
If this reflection left you feeling like there were no opportunities for improvement, what could you do next? What did you learn is impacting our overall career satisfaction that needs to be considered?
I also believe that when we are unhappy in our careers, we can tweak our roles instead of quitting altogether. Perhaps there are solutions that you came up with in this thought process where you can make some improvements or minor tweaks that will put that smile back on your face. Sometimes finding solutions is as easy as a conversation with your boss or colleagues.
Your happiness is important, you matter, and I wouldn’t waste another minute without building a plan to get you the career fulfillment you deserve.
If you need further support and would benefit from coaching, reach out to me through the contact me form on my website.
If you found value in this exercise, please share it with someone you know who could also benefit from this reflection.
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photo by karolina grabows
