Do you suspect you’re jogging in place at your job?
Perhaps you’ve been working hard at the same job for years, haven’t had any upward mobility, and feel like you’ve hit an invisible ceiling or a career plateau. It can be tricky to rule out on your own.
Here are 6 signs you might, in fact, be jogging in place at your job.
You’ve Stopped Learning
One of the most crucial aspects of career growth is ongoing development and lifelong learning. If you’ve stopped learning anything new in your job, it’s a big warning sign that your growth is stalling.
Perhaps you’re not being challenged enough or there aren’t upskilling or reskilling opportunities within your company. Maybe you’re just running the hamster wheel.
Take some time to evaluate what would help you move forward and communicate with your boss and human resources.
Your Hard Work Is Overlooked
If you’ve been working tirelessly and still aren’t receiving recognition or promotions, it might be a red flag that you are not being valued or even considered for advancement.
In this case, make sure you are being proactive in communicating your workload and achievements to your boss and seek feedback on your performance for continued growth.
If you are still not getting the recognition you deserve, it may be time to consider finding a new job altogether.
You Feel Chronically Burned Out
If you feel exhausted or unmotivated about your job, it may be a sign that you’ve hit a wall.
Burnout can be detrimental to your physical and mental health and may also affect your job performance, which may indirectly correlate to a lack of advancement opportunity.
Take a break from work to recharge, find your inner peace, or simply correct a work-life imbalance.
Your Salary Has Plateaued
If your salary has not increased for several years or doesn’t align with your responsibilities or workload, it is possible that your earnings have hit a ceiling at your current job.
Remember that your time and skills are valuable, and it’s essential to be compensated properly for your work and not sell yourself short.
If scoring higher pay is a priority, consider discussing salary negotiations during your annual review or seek opportunities elsewhere that offer better compensation.
You Have No Opportunities For Advancement
If there are no avenues for you to move up in your company, this might be your clearest sign yet that you are jogging in place at your job.
This situation isn’t uncommon, and it doesn’t mean that you’re not valuable in your current position. However, if you are working hard but have a ceiling, it may be time to consider advancement opportunities elsewhere.
You Lack Purpose
Do you often ask yourself, what’s this all for?
If you’re feeling like your job lacks a sense of purpose or you’re not making a meaningful impact, this might make you feel like you’re jogging in place.
It is essential to have a sense of purpose and pride in your work to achieve professional fulfillment. Take time to reflect on what motivates you and what you want to achieve in your career.
If your current job doesn’t align with your long-term goals, it may be time to reassess your career path and make a change. Create an exit strategy to escape your dead-end job strategically and seek a purpose-driven career instead at a company that has core values in line with yours.
Getting stuck in a rut can be taxing, but being able to change course before the issues snowball or you become pigeonholed by them is essential.
The Takeaway
If these signs align with what you are experiencing, chances are you’re jogging in place at your job. But, rest assured.
With some effort and perseverance, you can start making necessary changes to move forward again and propel your professional growth in no time.
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