It happens to almost everyone at some point in their career. You reach a point where you hit a wall in your current position and are unsure what steps to take. When you’ve outgrown your job, your feelings of boredom, underutilization, lack of challenge and plain old unhappiness can be devastating.
The Writing is on the Wall
You may have outgrown your job if any of these signs are painfully familiar to you:
- You’re not challenged enough. You may have gained lots of great experience, but your responsibilities haven’t kept pace with it. You’re not stretched enough and there doesn’t appear to be any more room to grow.
- You can’t see where your role is taking you. There are no evident opportunities for you to be promoted at your company. Or, you can see where you’re going, but it’s not at your current place of employment.
- The passion is gone. You no longer think about the possibilities and contributions ahead with a sense of excitement. As noted by Teri Hockett, CEO of What’s for Work, “Your job might not be 100 percent interesting at every moment. But 80 percent or more of your time at work should be enjoyable or interesting.”
- Your inner voice says it’s time for a change. You can’t stop thinking about quitting or at least exploring what’s out there. Or, your body lets you know. It feels out of balance; for instance, you get head, back, stomach or muscle aches or you have trouble eating or sleeping.
- You fail the “last day in your life” test too often. Steve Jobs used this test every morning and shared it in his 2005 commencement address at Stanford University: You ask yourself, “If today was the last day of my life, would I go to this job?” You can answer “no” on occasion, but not on a regular basis.
What to Do
Should you go or should you stay? Only you know for sure.
- Think about possible changes in your current job. Consider what opportunities may fit the direction in which you want to steer your career. If the mission of your company is the right fit but the skills you use are not, get training and volunteer for projects that may open new doors for you. Have a constructive conversation with your boss that outlines your goals. Ask what the organization needs that might align with your aspirations.
- If it’s time to move on, start experimenting. Find ways to gain insight and experience with anything you have a hunch may be right for you. Brainstorm a list of possibilities. Then ask yourself, “How can I get a better taste of what this would actually be like?” Perhaps you can volunteer for an organization you think you might like to work for. Or, meet with someone at that company for an informational interview. Get as much feedback as possible. When an experience resonates positively for you, keep following that path.
Consider partnering with PrideStaff Modesto to improve your opportunities and find your career niche – whether it’s at your current company or elsewhere. You’ll have access to a broad range of positions, as well as the resources you need to build your skills and realize your dreams. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
