Now and then, you may find yourself in a career rut that leaves you questioning what to do next.  Feeling stuck doesn’t always mean you have to change industries – you can often pull yourself out of a career funk by refocusing on your goals and creating a new growth strategy. Start with these steps.

Re-think your goals

It’s natural for your goals and career expectations to evolve and change over time, but sometimes you need to take the time to understand what this really means. For example, the pandemic left many young professionals looking for slower-paced work environments and more flexible hours – for some, this will inevitably mean looking for a new job that’s more aligned with these expectations. If you haven’t given your professional goals much thought lately, it may be time to bring them back into focus. Think about what you want. Then, make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. A fresh set of professional goals or a renewed perspective on your work may be just the motivation you need.

Network

One of the best ways to get unstuck in your career is to network with other professionals. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, or reach out to contacts in your field. Expanding your network can expose you to new opportunities and ideas. It can put you on the path to finding the next exciting job, and it may also help you gather tips and advice from peers who have been where you are and gone on to find success and fulfillment through their work.

Get a mentor

A mentor can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career. Networking is a great way to find a mentor, but it’s also possible that a current or former colleague can fulfill that role for you. Look for someone who has achieved what you want and is willing to help you reach your goals. They can be a sounding board for your plans, provide recommendations, and share their wisdom and experience.

Consider a break from work

A sabbatical – or even just a vacation – may be what you need to recharge and reflect on your professional life. You can also use your time off to do a number of useful things, from working with a career coach to upskilling. You may come back with a fresh perspective and a clearer idea of how to proceed.

Change your job

After some reflection, you may realize that a job change is in order. If that’s the case, think about what steps you might need to take in order to achieve this. If you’re pivoting into a similar industry, you might just need to update your resume and cover letter before applying to jobs. If it’s a bigger move, consider whether upskilling or going back to school would be a necessary step. Think about how your salary and lifestyle might change in a new role. Remember that when you change jobs, benefits, such as health insurance and life insurance (this is different from your individual policy, such as  whole life insurance or universal life insurance), will likely be affected. Weigh all of these things carefully as you plan your next move. A job change is a big step, but it can reinvigorate your career and put you on track toward your goals.

Source: iQuanti