Don't Let Career Stagnation Hold You Back
It’s common to fall into a routine. Rolling out of bed at 6:45 a.m., brewing a hot pot of java, devouring a blueberry bagel, and slogging your way through an eight-hour day week in and week out can make it difficult to remember if you actually enjoy your daily grind. Work isn’t always going to put a smile on your face, but if you don’t feel any enjoyment or excitement in your office space, both your productivity and drive to climb the ranks will suffer.
It’s not easy to know when it’s time to clean out your cubicle and move on to bigger and (hopefully) better things. However, there are a few sure-fire signs that you and your company just aren’t seeing eye to eye.
No matter your rank in an organization, you should feel compelled to present new ideas and push fresh tech trends to your coworkers. Signing up for the latest social media site before it’s proven worthwhile might not be a smart play, but standing still while competitors are riding new, exciting waves can be disheartening for employees who are always looking for upward mobility.
The lack of fire and passion from those around you can drag you down, too. When three shots of espresso aren’t enough to spark a bit of excitement in your life, it might be time to look elsewhere for that fire. If you just don’t care for your company or the work you produce, it becomes impossible to tap into your potential.
If you do decide to finally make that change, know that you can’t leave the security of a consistent paycheck without knowing what it is you really want. This is a time when being a bit selfish is beneficial, as your goal is to land a spot where you’re both appreciated and excited to put in the long hours.
Maybe you see the signs that your employer isn’t going to be afloat much longer. Maybe your company culture is just too rigid for your tastes. If you’re unhappy with your career, there are likely red flags that indicate it’s time to explore your options. Just make sure you take note of them before too many years are spent sleepwalking through an office you don’t belong in.
