You are either growing, or you’re not. I would argue that in many organizations, regardless of the industry, countless individuals are on autopilot in their careers. They go through each day doing the same old things, never really thinking about what’s next. They might desire a new challenge or advancement level, but they don’t grow in their current role. What do you do when you’re not growing anymore?
Two Paths When You’re Not Growing
- Do nothing.
- Take action.
Do Nothing Approach
A lot of people actually choose the do-nothing approach. They’re not growing in their careers. They might want to, or they may not have the self-awareness to understand that they want to, so they choose to complain. Instead of doing something about it, they get trapped in this negative vortex of being down all the time and are miserable. It’s a sad and unhealthy place to be. Unless they are pushed to grow, they won’t. Sometimes these people sleepwalk their way through their current role, becoming what I would say are lifers until they are asked to leave or forced to leave.
Take Action
For a small majority of people, they take massive action. By massive action, I’m talking about investing in yourself because you understand your why and your purpose for doing what you do. Whether it’s attending courses, listening to podcasts, or reading blogs, people who take action drive their own career forward. If they get to a point where they realize that their current place of employment is not the place for them, they move on. I’ll give you a truth bomb here. The reality is that loyalty does not exist. When things aren’t working out from the company’s perspective, more often than not, they will not hesitate, and they will part ways with somebody who’s not working out. When it’s not working out from an employee’s perspective in an organization, many people stay and complain. Usually, many choose not to do anything about it.
Invest in Yourself
Developing yourself is key to your success. Personal development is often overlooked and underappreciated until people need it most. No one cares more about your career than you do. It’s not the responsibility of a leader to drag somebody along into career development conversations and sessions. It’s the responsibility of those who want it to go for it. You need to ask for what you want in this world, and if you’re lucky, you might get what you want. The next time you find yourself not growing in your career or at your workplace, choose to do something about it. Ask to shadow another team or department. Attend courses or seminars, even if you have to pay for them yourself. Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are to the role that you really want to. If you do all this and still find that there is nothing of interest to you in that organization, then it’s time to move on. Remember, you work for yourself and not for others. Be happy and do what you want.
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