Navigating a career plateau can be a challenging experience, but with the right strategies, progress is within reach. We've gathered insights from CEOs and marketing leaders to share their personal experiences and advice. From seeking professional career counseling to implementing a strategic rebranding plan, here are four unique tips to help you overcome career stagnation and advance.
Seek Professional Career Counseling
Learn New Skills and Network
Reassess Goals and Expand Skills
Implement a Strategic Rebranding Plan
Seek Professional Career Counseling
When I realized I was experiencing professional burn-out, I knew I needed a career break. However, soon, I started to feel the need to start a new professional chapter. Yet, I felt too overwhelmed and blocked by my anxiety to begin anew.
This stagnation led me to obsess over gaps in my knowledge and an inability to make a career move. With every day of unemployment, I felt more stuck in the position I found myself in.
The breaking point was a visit to a job counselor. Her fresh look at my struggles made me aware of my strengths and competencies. It also gave me strong momentum and boosted my self-confidence. Together, we considered my options and emerging market niches I could fill. She also helped me customize my curriculum vitae to the requirements of applicant tracking systems.
My advice to anyone facing a career plateau is to seek the professional help of an expert. An unbiased analysis of our situation can work miracles and free us from a vicious circle of self-doubt.
Martyna Szcześniak, Community Expert, MyPerfectResume
Learn New Skills and Network
I've been stuck at a career standstill before, and the key for me was simple: keep learning. Imagine it like this—your career is a road, and sometimes it feels like you hit a dead end. Instead of turning back, I decided to take detours into new skills. I was in marketing; I took online courses in digital trends. I networked with people in the field, got a mentor, and soaked up every bit of knowledge I could.
The result? I not only broke through the plateau but landed a role that demanded those newfound skills. So, my advice is this: When you feel stuck, don't stop—learn something new. It's like adding a fresh lane to your career road, and who knows where that detour might lead you!
Jon Torres, CEO, Jon Torres
Reassess Goals and Expand Skills
Facing a career plateau can be frustrating, but it's also an opportunity for growth. When I encountered stagnation in my career, I took a step back to reassess my goals and skills. I focused on expanding my knowledge and expertise by seeking out new challenges and learning opportunities.
I also sought guidance from mentors and sought feedback from colleagues to identify areas for improvement. By taking proactive steps to enhance my skills and knowledge, I was able to break through the plateau and advance in my career.
My advice to others in a similar situation is to embrace the challenge, be open to learning, and seek opportunities to expand your skill set. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new responsibilities. Remember, a career plateau is not the end, but rather a chance to reinvent yourself and reach new heights.
Alex Stasiak, CEO and Founder, Startup House
Implement a Strategic Rebranding Plan
My career once tasked me with a major job: updating our company's entire identity in a crowded marketplace. We had to change our brand, our message, and our image. Also, we needed to keep our current customers and stakeholders happy during the shift.
The solution? I put together a full plan for open communication with everyone: our team, customers, and partners. We made sure our messages were always genuine and consistent, shining a light on the positive aspects of the rebrand. We were quick to address concerns and included stakeholders in each step. That allowed us to successfully complete the rebrand, strengthening our position in the market.
Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitee