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Growth and development are essential to your professional life, no matter what role or industry you are in. If you fall behind, you inevitably become less competitive in the job market. Even worse, you could become obsolete, unable to perform your job, if you refuse to learn and grow.
Don’t worry, though. The same technologies and advancements that cause these constant changes also make it easier to stay up-to-date.
Today, we’ll consider a sneaky and unexpected potential enemy to your professional growth—staying in the same job for too long.
How Long Since Your Last Job Change?
When was the last time you spruced up your resume for an internal position at your company or for a new job search? A 2021 survey found that both Millennials and Gen Z workers were likely to remain at a job for less than three years. For Gen X, the number was five years and 8 years for Baby Boomers.
Though the reasons vary from person to person, obtaining a better position, higher pay, or a better work/life balance—such as a flexible schedule or healthier work environment—are among the top reasons workers today refuse to stagnate in dead-end jobs.
Don’t Let Your Career Stagnate in These Key Areas
A study published in the Harvard Business Review outlined key reasons why employees leave—reasons that would stunt career growth if not addressed.
- Lack of promotion—For every ten months that pass without promotion to another role or title, the chances of the employee leaving the company for better opportunities elsewhere increases by one percent. If you decide to stay with a company that doesn’t offer a clear path to advancement, you could get left behind as your peers receive promotions.
- Salary—If you’re not getting promoted, pay raises are likely meager and far between.
- Work/life balance—A good company culture will assist you in managing work-related stress and obtaining an acceptable work/life balance. If you’re stagnating in a toxic work environment, your mental and emotional health will suffer.
- Personal growth—Lifelong learning and career development are both important factors in personal and job satisfaction. If you’re not growing, you’re stagnating. Additionally, in today’s fast-paced job environment, a lack of ongoing education can leave you without the necessary skills as your role evolves. Someone else will be waiting to take your place.
What You Can Do
So, what can you do if you determine that your current role is stunting your professional development? There are three paths you could take. You can choose the one that would be most beneficial to you.
Internal Advancement
Be proactive in seeking a promotion or a lateral job shift at your current company. Converse with your superiors concerning your desire for new challenges. Let them know you are open to training or mentorship opportunities. You may be surprised at the doors that open to you.
A Career Change
If advancement or transfer within your current company is not possible, you may consider seeking employment elsewhere. The same role at a different company will no doubt come with new challenges. There may also be opportunities for continued learning or increased pay.
For an even greater change of pace, look for a similar role in a different industry or for a more advanced position with more responsibility.
Upskill in Your Current Role
You may have strong reasons for remaining at your current post. If so, you can still challenge yourself by upskilling. Learn all you can about the software, industry trends, marketing tactics, or soft skills related to your job. Take classes, get certified, and read industry publications.
Look for opportunities to do new things that will challenge you on the job. If a new project begins, volunteer to be a part of the team. If a new software application is adopted, learn it thoroughly. Take any opportunity for training or attending industry events.
You may find that this not only makes your current job less stagnant and more fulfilling but that you qualify for promotions that you did not previously.
When to Stay
Of course, staying at your job can be a good option if the circumstances are right. If you like your role and the company culture, and receive a good salary, you might be all set. You can combat the stagnation described above by continuing your education.
Another reason to stay might be a good system of internal career advancement. If you have a clear path to promotion, ongoing training, and mentorship, you’re likely to avoid the negative career effects described above.
Key Takeaways
Don’t let yourself become bored, your skills outdated, or your income limited by staying at a stagnant job for too long. Take a leap by asking for a promotion, seeking a new job, or actively upskilling in your current position.
By doing so, you’ll feel more fulfilled and remain competitive in the job market. You’ll be glad you did.
