According to a survey conducted by the Conference Board in 2023, 53% of U.S. workers reported dissatisfaction with their jobs. This level of dissatisfaction often translates to feelings of being stuck and unfulfilled in their careers, contributing to a broader sense of dissatisfaction in life.
Does that sound familiar? I know that feeling all too well. I recently failed a professional certification exam to move forward in my career. I felt awful and disappointed, but it brought a realization of how disengaged I’ve become from my career – so much so that subconsciously, I think I wanted to fail this exam so that I had an excuse to move on to other things.
So, what now? Looking for other jobs might take a while and can be demoralizing, especially if you don’t hear back from an application you were excited about. I was at a crossroads and I felt stuck. I had no choice but to fight the self-pity and put together a plan for what I needed to do in the following days, weeks, and months to start feeling “unstuck”.
Do these immediately (Next 1-2 Days)
- Spend 30 minutes each day writing down your thoughts and feelings about your current situation.
- Identify specific areas causing distress and write down any immediate ideas for change.
Journal and Self-Reflect
I know this sounds cliche, but it really did help. In the next two days, spend about 30 minutes (or however long you need) each day to write down how you feel about your current situation. Keep the following questions in mind and try to answer them:
Questions to ask about work:
- How do I feel when I wake up on a workday?
- How do I feel about my work environment?
- What aspects do I enjoy about my job? (If there aren’t many, this is a red flag)
- What aspects do I enjoy about my job? What will make it more enjoyable? Are these things under my control?
- How’s my work-life balance?
- Do I see a future for myself in this industry?
- If I don’t like my current work settings, could I do the same job somewhere else and still be okay with it? (This is important to determine if it’s the job that’s the issue, the workplace, or both)
- What brings me joy outside of work? Do I do these enough?
Questions to ask about self-care:
- Am I getting a good night’s sleep?
- When was the last time you got a yearly medical check-up?
- Am I eating healthy, nutritious meals that meet my vitamin and nutrient needs?
- When was the last time I meditated? How did it make me feel?
- How do I handle stress?
- What fears or doubts are holding me back from living a happier life?
Other questions to consider:
- What am I most grateful for right now?
- If it was my friend going through the same situation, what advice would I give them?
- Who are the people who support me, who will listen, and who I feel safe talking to?
Do these in the next 1-2 Weeks
List your goals
- Daily Goals: Set one simple, actionable goal each day, such as updating your resume, applying for a job, or spending 10 minutes on a hobby.
- Weekly Goals: Aim to complete one or two slightly larger goals each week, like attending a networking event, reaching out to a mentor, or starting a new book.
Reach out to your support system
- Reach out to a trusted friend or family member to talk about your feelings and get support.
- Research and schedule an appointment with a career coach, therapist, or mentor.
Explore your interests
What’s one thing you’ve been wanting to do, but haven’t done so in a while? Maybe you got too busy, whatever the case may be – dedicate 30 minutes to an hour each week to explore new hobbies or revisit old ones. This can be something as simple as trying a new recipe, drawing, or learning a new skill online. Here are some other ideas:
- Listening to new music
- Going for a hike
- Try a new sport or join a sports club
- Gardening
- Pick up that new book you’ve been wanting to read
- Learning a new language
- Work on that car or bike you’ve been wanting to work on
- Try a new place to eat
- Take a class
At the end of each week, review your daily goals. Assess what worked, and what didn’t, and adjust your plans accordingly. For the following week, set new goals (you can even set more challenging ones if you like) based on your progress.
Long-Term Actions (Next 3-6 Months)
Career Development
- Continue applying for jobs, refining your resume and cover letters based on feedback.
- Aim to apply for a certain number of jobs each week, increasing the number as you become more comfortable.
Build a Routine
- Establish a daily routine that includes time for work, self-care, hobbies, and social activities.
- Review and adjust your routine regularly to ensure it remains effective and balanced.
Monitor Progress and Celebrate Milestones
- Every month, review your overall progress. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what still needs attention.
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress is crucial for maintaining motivation.
Ongoing Actions
Continue Self-Care
- Make self-care a consistent part of your routine. Regularly engage in activities that reduce stress and promote well-being.
Maintain Connections
- Stay in touch with your support network. Regularly communicate with friends, family, mentors, and professional contacts.
Stay Open to New Opportunities
- Keep an open mind and be willing to explore new opportunities and experiences that come your way. Flexibility and adaptability are key to personal growth and finding new directions.
By following this game plan, you’ll take concrete steps toward getting unstuck and moving forward in your life. Remember, progress takes time, and it’s okay to adjust your plan as needed. The important thing is to keep moving and stay committed to your goals.