In a Rut? 3 Steps to Reclaim Your Career

If you feel like you’re stuck in a career rut—here are three things you can do right now:

1. Reflect: Think about what’s important to you and what you want to get out of your professional life. Are there aspects of work that you love and want to lean into? Are there aspects that you dread and is there a way to do less of these things? Look back at your calendar for the last three months and highlight the meetings/conversations that bring a smile to your face. What are the aspects of these interactions that make you happy: Was it the topic you were discussing, the work you were doing, or the individual/team you were meeting with? These reflections can help inform your professional path going forward.

2. Connect: Your network is your lifeline. Try to reconnect with those who've had a big impact on you and your career. Revitalize relationships inside your company, too. Sit down with your boss and maybe someone in HR and let them know that you'd love to be kept in mind for initiatives that can tap into your strengths. Be intentional about reaching out to new people who you have wanted to meet. I've made many pivots in my career and they wouldn't have been possible without my network. 

3. Invest: Whether employed or not, it could be a good time to invest in new skills. This doesn't need to be a big commitment (I know how time-strapped we all are). Pick one skill you would like to develop and create a plan. The plan could include conversations with experts in your network, watching videos, or reading; you could take a class to up your digital game or look into leadership coaching. Check out General Assembly for great courses, LinkedIn Learning sessions, and TONE networks for mini video clips when you only have a few minutes to spare. 

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