Many of us feel stuck in our career and are not sure what to do next. I have been there myself. I even left a job before without having an alternative, I was stuck, and by not taking action (such as leaving), I would have been stuck for longer.
When your career is going nowhere, it can feel frustrating. Today might be the day you need to start thinking about: changing companies, changing roles or changing industries.
While Preppally mostly helps with changing towards commercial roles at tech companies, we want to highlight 5 actions you can take today in order to get your career moving again:
Written by Jeroen
Founder Preppally
January, 10, 2023
Written by Jeroen
Founder Preppally
January, 10, 2023
5 Tips for when your career is going nowhere
Many of us feel stuck in our career and are not sure what to do next. I have been there myself. I even left a job before without having an alternative, I was stuck, and by not taking action (such as leaving), I would have been stuck for longer.
When your career is going nowhere, it can feel frustrating. Today might be the day you need to start thinking about: changing companies, changing roles or changing industries.
While Preppally mostly helps with changing towards commercial roles at tech companies, we want to highlight 5 actions you can take today in order to get your career moving again:
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Summary of tips when your career is going nowhere
- Reflect on your goals and value
- Network and seek out new opportunities
- Seek out additional training or education
- Consider a change in industry or job function
- Find a mentor or seek out professional development resources
1. Reflect on your goals and value
Before you can move forward, it’s important to take some time to reflect on what you really want out of your career. What are your long-term goals and what values are most important to you? This can help you narrow down your options and make more informed decisions about your next steps.
Think about topics such as: intrinsic motivation, career progression, salary and compensation, learning path, international move, day-to-day task, company culture etc.
If you need help with deciding the best company size, you can find a self-test here. We also made an overview of job titles and requirements which you can find here.
2. Network and seek out new opportunities
The right network is key. If you’re feeling stuck in your current role, it might be time to start looking for new opportunities. And who is better positioned to help you identify new opportunities than people in your own network? Start expanding your network today!
This could mean networking with people in your industry, attending job fairs, or simply: live a life of serendipity. You never know what doors might open up if you put yourself out there.
Make a list of people who work at your dream company or in your preferred role, reach out to them via LinkedIn and ask for advice. You will be surprised how many will come back to you with help, if you reach out to them in the right way!
3. Seek out additional training or education
You might get stuck because of a knowledge gap or a skill gap. The good news is that for most ‘hard skills’ there is a solution: the internet. Nowadays, you can find certifications or training programs for almost anything – including how to find a job at tech companies on Preppally.
In the case you are stuck because of ‘technical knowledge’ or a ‘hard skill’ knowledge gap, seek out additional training or education in order to prove to your current or new company why you might be a good fit for a new step. Take a course, earn a certification or go back to (evening) school for an additional degree.
On the other hand, when you have a gap in terms of soft skills things might get more difficult. Often you will need ‘people management’ experience for manager roles, but the issue is that you won’t get people management experience without the manager role.
I have seen many people being stuck in this vicious cycle and there are only two ways out:
Pick up a project that you can lead in order to prove your people management skills or find a coach. Lead a project with multiple stakeholders from start to end, become a team lead of a project or help new joiners in your company in order to demonstrate your soft skills.
Another route is finding a coach who can develop your people skills and vouch for you when you are applying for your next step. In the latter case you might have less practical experience, but if the person coaching you is also the person deciding on your next career move, they might feel their coaching has prepared you enough to put things into practice
4. Consider a change in industry or job function
First of all: never change both of them at the same time. It will make you vulnerable as there are too many new factors. Changing company, industry and a job type at the same time, is not a good idea and it (most likely) will not set you up for success.
That said, if you feel stuck in your current industry or job function, it still might be worth considering a change. Make a list of industries or job functions you see yourself working. It’s important to do your research as a wrong change might cost you a lot of time and will negatively impact your career progression. If you are sure you want to work at tech companies, Preppally’s career programs might be able to help you with the transition.
5. Find a mentor or seek out professional development resources
Finally, one of the best things you can do when your career is going nowhere is to find a mentor or seek out professional development resources. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice as you navigate your career, while professional development resources can help you learn new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Few people actually have a mentor, but all those that are successful, will at some point quote the impact of their previous mentors. Do not underestimate getting help, advice and mentorship from those who have already accomplished what you are aiming for. It might feel awkward at the beginning, but it will have a positive outcome along the way!
By reflecting on your goals and values, networking and seeking out new opportunities, seeking additional training or education, considering a change in industry or job function, and finding a mentor or professional development resources, you can take control of your career and chart a new course for success.
How Preppally can help you when your career going nowhere
Learn how to land your dream job at tech companies in 6 months
Preppally enabled more than 100 people land their dream job at tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Reddit and more.
Get the concepts and frameworks to practise interview questions in order to get a career at their dream tech company. Understand how to stand out to get an interview, master interview questions and answers, create your resume, negotiate your salary, get mentorship and get hired by tech companies via Preppally.
Your dream career can’t wait.
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Written by Jeroen
Founder Preppally
January, 10, 2023
