Unsticking Yourself from Sticky Floors

by

zombies2

Sticky career floors can be so frustrating. People find themselves getting stuck more often than you might think. It is tough when, like Dethany in the above On the Fastrack comic strip, people define your position as non-career (aka dead-end). It is even tougher when people put you inside a box and want to keep you there.

So how do you “claw your way outside of the box” when you have developed new skill sets and want to grow professionally, but your manager is set on keeping you firmly in your place? Your first step should be to determine:

  • What you want to do and the next step that will help you move your career forward.
    1. Can these goals be reached staying with your current employer?
    2. Do you need to start exploring opportunities outside of your current employer?
    3. Do you need to change your career area or industry?
  • What is stopping you from achieving your next steps?
    1. What can you do to help yourself?
      1. Check your attitude
      2. Check your appearance
  • Do you need additional types of experience?
  1. Do you need additional education or professional credentials?
  1. Do you have a mentor or peer who will provide you honest reflection and feedback?
  • Expand your network – the more people to whom you can reach out, the more opportunities you will find.
    1. Larger companies often have sports teams and interests groups – join one
    2. Look for after-work sports leagues (volleyball is great fun) or trivia teams
  • Join the local chapter of your professional association and volunteer on a committee. Working as part of a team let’s people get to know you and recommend you.
  • Make a commitment to yourself and develop a plan to help you get started and stay on track.

Create a career track plan that is comprehensible and open to new opportunities. Above all, maintain a positive can-do attitude. Don’t let a black career cloud create a negative karma. It will pass. Everyone has walked in your shoes at one time or another. You may have the worst job and the worst boss; take the negative lessons learned and move forward. People want to learn what makes you special and unique. You never know if the person you meet at the break room coffee pot or a professional meeting will be the link to your next career opportunity.

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