How to Break Free from Feeling Stuck at Work

Feeling stuck at work is more common than people think. Here are some tips to overcome this problem.

Many workers are not content with their jobs. They feel like they are unhappy and stuck in their role, even though they are only mid-way through their career. Some signs that your career is stagnating include the lack of learning opportunities, work burnout, lack of recognition from the company, and misaligned personal long-term goals and values with your current role.

In fact, a survey conducted by Jobstreet and Jobsdb by SEEK showed that Singaporean workers are more unhappy at work (19%) compared to the neighboring countries such as Malaysia (12%), The Philippines (11%), Hongkong (9%), Thailand (9%), and Indonesia (4%). Aside from inadequate salaries and benefits, the other key factors contributing to employee dissatisfaction is the lack of recognition (36%) and the lack of career advancement opportunities (36%).

Experiencing work stagnation can affect your professional career directly. Here are some tips to help navigate and overcome this problem.

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Review Your Career

Knowing what makes you feel stuck at your work will help in forming solutions. Sarah Doody, the founder of Career Strategy Lab, suggested doing a retrospective on your career so far. List out the things you like and don’t like in a role, including the team, management style, and even the company culture. This will give insight on what to do and what to avoid in the future, Doody told CNBC.

Make a Plan

After finding the root of your problem, think of what you want to do next. Whether it’s talking to your manager or looking for a new job, do a thorough research of what you’re planning to do. If you’re planning to explore new job opportunities, find something that matches with your values and preferences.

Communicate to People

Feeling stuck can come from your current role that doesn’t align with your initial goal anymore, or you’ve been stuck in the same position for years. Discussing these concerns with people you trust might help in putting back your role into perspective. When you are still unsure, try asking experienced career consultants for more professional advice.

Take a Break

Sarah Sarkis, the senior director of performance psychology at Exos, told CNBC that exertion is not the key to success. People who prioritize rest and recovery are the ones who are ‘at the top of their game’, Sarkis stated. When you’re feeling stuck at work, it’s possible that you are tired with your daily routine. Take a break from your responsibilities to restore your energy and motivation.

Learn New Skills

Experiencing boredom after performing the same job for years is natural. Exploring new skills can be a good variation to your monoton routine. Start by exploring online learning platforms or attending workshops in areas that interest you. This not only enhances your professional development, but may also uncover hidden talents you weren’t aware of.

Feeling stuck at work can happen to anyone and at any time. It’s more common than people think. However, this can also be an opportunity to reevaluate your long-term goals. By taking proactive steps, you can transform stagnation into professional growth.

Next read: How to Overcome Job Search Anxiety and Land Your Dream Job