There could be a variety of reasons why a career may feel stagnant. It often has nothing to do with your ability to deliver and meet your objectives. But yet, no matter what you give, your career is not evolving.
The good news is that being stuck is not necessarily a career killer. In fact, it’s usually a sign that something needs to change.
Moving forward often means getting your momentum back. So how do you make it happen?
Back to School
Going back to school is often seen as a last resort, but in reality, it can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a degree, certification, or some targeted training, learning something new can unlock doors that were previously closed off. And for a lot of people, even when it feels like a step back, it can be a big step forward.
Going back to college as an adult can help you rebuild your professional confidence. Besides, learning new skills proves to yourself that you’re still capable of growth and change.
New Employer
Sometimes, the problem isn’t your ambitions or your skills. It’s the place you’re working in. Some workplaces just don’t offer much in the way of career progression, no matter how well you do your job.
Changing jobs can give you access to new challenges, different perspectives, and a much clearer idea of where you’re going next.
The key is to be smart about it. Look for a role that aligns with where you want to head next. For people in healthcare and emergency services, for example, taking a look at current job openings at Royal Ambulance can be a good place to find career opportunities that offer structure, development, and long-term growth.
Networking
For every job that gets posted on a job board, there are loads out there that get shared through conversations, referrals, and professional connections. So networking is about staying visible and connected.
Little actions can make a big difference here.
Attend industry events. Join online communities that interest you. Reach out to people you’d like to know better. Even just having casual conversations can lead to new insights or new opportunities.
Build a Public Profile
Another smart way to move your career forward is to start sharing what you know.
That could mean writing blog posts, starting a podcast, creating videos, or even just sketching out ideas for a book.
Sharing your expertise helps you clarify your own thinking and gets you seen by a wider audience, which can lead to all sorts of opportunities. It might get you invited to speak at events, land some consulting work, or roles that value your opinion.
Often, being seen as a thought leader in your field gets you noticed by people and opportunities that you never would have encountered otherwise.
The fact is, a stalled career doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It usually just means you’ve grown out of the situation. Whether its about learning something new, changing your environment, building connections or sharing your expertise, progress happens when you take action. You don’t have to do everything at once. Often, it only takes one intentional step, and you might be surprised at how quickly you start to shift your direction and get your momentum back.