Feeling Stuck in Your Career? 5 Tips to Shake Things Up
Alright, let’s be honest—I have felt pretty stagnant in my career lately (hence my blogging journey), and with the job market the way it is, a career change is scary. I sat down to write this blog, selfishly looking for my own answers, and I think I stumbled upon just what I needed to hear!
Now let’s set the scene – you’re a busy 30-year-old mom and wife (like me!), juggling snack requests, meetings, and attempting to remember if you actually drank any water today. Somewhere in between wiping sticky little hands and answering emails, you realize you’ve hit a wall in your career. You feel… stuck. Stagnant. Like you’re spinning in circles but not moving forward. Sound familiar? Girl, same.
Here’s the good news: Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck. Whether you’re looking to climb the ladder in your current job, learn new skills, or make a bold career pivot, you’ve got options. Let’s dive into five fun, practical, and totally do-able tips to shake things up and get that professional momentum back.
1. Get Real About What’s Bugging You
Before you start applying for every job on LinkedIn or signing up for random courses, pause for a sec. What’s the real issue here? Is your current job boring you to tears? Do you feel undervalued? Or maybe you’ve realized that what you’re doing doesn’t align with your long-term goals anymore. Grab a notebook (or your phone, let’s be real), and jot down what’s bugging you. Identifying the problem is the first step to finding the solution.
Dig deeper and ask yourself questions like:
- What do I enjoy most and least about my current job?
- Am I motivated by the work I’m doing, or am I just going through the motions?
- What’s missing from my work life—is it creativity, recognition, challenge, or something else?
Sometimes, just putting your thoughts into words can help you see patterns or pinpoint specific frustrations. Maybe it’s not the entire job that’s dragging you down but a certain aspect of it, like endless meetings or a lack of growth opportunities. Once you know what’s really bothering you, you’ll have a clearer idea of what needs to change. This clarity can help guide your next steps—whether it’s having a candid chat with your boss, shifting focus to a different part of your role, or pursuing something new altogether.
2. Set Some Big (and Little) Goals
Now that you’ve pinpointed the issue, it’s time to figure out what you actually want. Want to become a manager? Start your own business? Transition into a new field? Write it down. Then, break that big goal into smaller, bite-sized steps. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither is a dream career.
3. Learn Something New (That Excites You)
Nothing sparks professional growth like learning. If you’re feeling stagnant, it might be time to pick up a new skill or brush up on something you’ve been meaning to explore. The best part? You don’t have to go back to school or spend a fortune. There are endless online courses, webinars, and YouTube tutorials out there.
Pro tip: Focus on skills that align with your goals and light you up. Want to get into graphic design? Check out Canva tutorials or Adobe courses. Thinking about becoming a social media manager? Dive into content strategy and analytics tools. Learning should feel exciting, not like a chore!
4. Network Like the Boss You Are
I know, I know. Networking can feel awkward and cringey, and I am the first person to shy away. But hear me out. It doesn’t have to be a stuffy, business-card-exchanging nightmare. Start with the people you already know—friends, family, old coworkers. Let them know you’re exploring new opportunities and ask if they have advice or connections to share.
And let’s not forget about LinkedIn. Update your profile (add a killer headline!), join industry groups, and comment on posts from people you admire. Trust me, your dream opportunity could be one conversation away.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
Sometimes, shaking off career stagnation means stepping away from what’s comfortable and trying something totally new. And that’s okay! Pivoting isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign that you’re growing and evolving.
If you’re nervous about making a big change, start small. Test the waters with a side hustle, freelance gig, or volunteer role. This way, you can explore your new path without putting all your eggs in one basket.
And here’s a little secret: You most likely have plenty of transferable skills that can open doors to a variety of paths. Skills like communication, project management, problem-solving, and leadership are valuable in almost any industry. Take stock of what you’re already great at and think about how those talents could translate into a new role or field. Chances are, you’re more prepared for a pivot than you realize.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got this! Feeling stuck in your career is just a chapter—it’s not the whole story. With a little self-reflection, goal setting, and some bold moves, you can create a professional path that lights you up and fits your life.
So go ahead, shake things up, try something new, and remember: You’re not just a mom and wife; you’re a force to be reckoned with. Now, let’s get to work (after you drink some water, of course).