What to do if you’re feeling stuck at a job?

First things first: if you’re feeling stuck at a job, you’re not the only one! Many have reached out to us because they were feeling stuck at a job. This is completely normal and it happens to loads of people.

Honestly, most jobs have an expiry date, which means that you can’t stay there forever. This is particularly true if your role is not one that can be developed or changed in any way.

However, feeling stuck at a job also depends on what type of person you are and what motivates you. Not everyone is the same and people react differently when faced with the same situation. What works beautifully for your friend does not need to work for you.

For example, working 9 to 5 isn’t for everyone. Some thrive in a more dynamic environment, such as a nightclub or a large grocery shop. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is find out what’s appealing to you.

Once you’ve identified your feelings, you know you have to do something about it. Keep that in mind!

What do you like?

You don’t think you have what it takes to switch careers? Well, if the thought came to your mind and you started to feel uncomfortable at your current job, you’re halfway there! You surely have what it takes to switch careers. Let’s do a short game. Imagine the following:

It’s Monday morning, yet again. Your alarm wakes you up, and along with you, the sinking feeling in your stomach. Just the thought of another working week makes you want to retire.

Do you catch yourself feeling like that? Are you looking for more and more excuses for your job and why you are still there while having less energy to actually do it?
Are you being torn down by the workload? Do you spend most of your days wondering what exactly are you contributing to? It doesn’t have to and it’s not supposed to be like that.

Feeling stuck in a position that drains you, and offers no room for professional improvement is not rare. And no, you shouldn’t wait it out or try to change it. If you are feeling this way, you have most likely done everything you could already, and it’s time for a switch.

Changing your career may seem like a leap into the unknown and uncertain, scary, risky, and even a gamble. Well, staying at a place that is bad for you is certainly not a better option, and making a career switch is a lot less scary or uncertain than it seems at first.

You already made the first step – recognizing you’re stuck! That is also the hardest step because you need to come clean to yourself.

Pinpoint what needs changing

The next step is understanding the reasons you’re not fulfilled in your current position.

It’s important to be as exact as possible, as it helps to narrow the search for the perfect job.

Answer these questions:

• Do you blossom in a dynamic, high-stakes work environment, or are you at your best when you have peace and routine?
• Are you looking for stability? Or does the fixed hourly schedule scare you or make you feel uncomfortable?
• Do you see yourself in your current field of work?
• What is the compensation you’re looking for?

Ask yourself and answer as many similar questions as you can. It might sound corny, but that’s the only way to realize what’s going on.

Seek advice from friends, colleagues, and family: a look from the outside may get you more precious information.

There is also career counseling available to you, and you should not be afraid to sign up for it.

Help from professionals is always a good idea. Check out our career services and hit us up if you feel like you need our help.

Show what you know & know how to show it

Now that you have your expectations and requirements for a new job, it’s time to look for it.

Create a list of positions you wish to apply for and compare your skills and qualifications to those required.

Always be aware of what you have to offer, as well as what you expect in return. Compare your wishes to your skills and to what your responsibilities will be, and try to tick as many boxes as possible. This way you are certain to end up with a list of jobs that match you perfectly. It’s time to show that to your future employers.

You already know that realizing you’re stuck is the hardest part. That’s half of your battle. The other half is updating your CV to match the field you want to get into next. If you’re having trouble with the latter, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Check out what we offer and get in touch whenever you feel ready.

If you’d like to give CV writing a go, we’ve got just the thing for you. Check out our step-by-step CV and cover letter writing guide that’ll teach you how to write a CV that brings results.

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