The Career Plateau: Are You Really Falling Behind?

Ever looked across the desk at colleagues raking in promotions while your career feels like it's stuck in neutral? Maybe LinkedIn is overflowing with your network connections celebrating amazing career coups, leaving you wondering if you're stuck in the slow lane.

This feeling – the career plateau phenomenon – is well known especially in this era of intense comparisons. But before you let yourself feel like you have to throw away a perfectly good job and rewrite your whole career plan, let's explore what might be causing it and debunk some myths surrounding career progression.

Why We Feel Stuck in Our Careers

Social media comparisons are a big culprit - think LinkedIn but Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram can also contribute. We see carefully curated online personas showcasing career wins, creating an illusion that everyone else is on a non-stop jet ski to the top. Watching and comparing rapid advancement by others can make your progress feel less significant

Unrealistic expectations also play a part. Societal pressures or self-imposed deadlines can make us feel behind if we haven't reached certain career milestones by a certain age. But remember, career paths are rarely straight – there's always detours and side steps that are not always visible in how people present their career trajectory.  Often it's not until they are at the peak of their career that the humble beginnings part of their story emerges.

Finally, sometimes the feeling of being stuck is a genuine signal. Maybe your current role is about as exciting as watching paint dry, or your skillset needs an update to stay relevant in a constantly evolving job market.

Success Isn't a One-Way Street 

Here's the good news: the myth of the linear career path is just that – a myth. Plenty of successful people have taken detours, faced setbacks, and carved their own unique paths.

Think of Ed Hillary, the mountain climbing, Antarctic adventurer. Before conquering Everest, he wasn't exactly scaling corporate ladders – he was a beekeeper! Or how about Stephen Tindall, the Warehouse founder. His journey wasn't a direct flight to retail domination – he started out flogging textbooks out of the back of his car. Or my own journey from factory worker to office administrator to management and now career coaching whilst running a charitable trust interspersed with time working in Denmark and a two year cycle trip around the world. 

These stories illustrate that success isn't about constant movement forward. It's about learning from those muffs (mistakes!), acquiring new skills, and even taking an occasional side trip to explore uncharted territories (career-wise, of course).

Taking Control of Your Career Journey

Here's how to navigate the career plateau with some flair:

• Network strategically: Connect with mentors and peers in your field, not just those seemingly "ahead" – you might be surprised who can offer valuable korero (advice) and connections. Think friends, friends of friends, industry meet-ups at local co-working spaces or joining relevant online forums. Be interested in other people’s careers.

• Invest in yourself: Upskill through courses offered by institutions like Te Pūkenga (NZ Institute of Skills and Technology) or online platforms. Maybe finally tackle that data analysis course you've been eyeing, or learn a new programming language to stay ahead of the curve.  Start with a low level of investment before diving into expensive courses: Udemy and Coursera are two platforms that can help you get a taste of anything you can think of before committing to longer term, more immersive study.

• Have an honest discussion: Talk to your manager about your career aspirations and explore growth opportunities within your current company. Remember, an honest conversation could open doors you never knew existed.

• Don't be afraid to pivot: If your current role no longer aligns with your goals, explore new opportunities that better utilise your skills and interests. Maybe a move to a startup or a jump to a completely different industry is what you need. There are heaps of exciting opportunities in the job market, so don't be afraid to cast your net a bit wider.

Remember, the feeling of falling behind in your career might be real, but the reality of success is anything but linear. Focus on your own journey, learn from experience, and keep moving forward. Your unique path might lead you to unexpected and rewarding destinations in the ever-evolving world of work.

If you would like to have a chat about your career, I offer a free 45-minute consultation.