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An increasing number of people are finding themselves in a predicament where there are no more opportunities for career advancement – a phenomenon known as plateauing.
The reasons for this are varied and include organisational downsizing, fewer positions available at higher levels of the organisational structure and employees lacking the skills necessary to progress. With one of the most powerful incentives, the promise of advancement, no longer being an option, employees become bored, angry, frustrated and demotivated – all of which affect their performance and in turn that of the organisation for which they work.
Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, says, “A career plateau can actually be positive for individuals, both in a personal and a professional sense.”
“They have two choices – remain in their current situation or change jobs,” explains Vittee. “Some people would rather not give up the pay and benefits that they presently enjoy and use the plateau to pursue alternative avenues for growth and development. With no longer having to compete for higher-level positions, coupled with the relative stability that a plateau provides, these employees can acquire new skills. Through enhancing their skill set they can then make a lateral move to another department within the company which can give them a new outlook on the job.”
For those who would prefer to take up the challenge of changing jobs, Vittee suggests the following:
• Get goal orientated: If you don’t know where you are going you won’t know how you are going to get there.
Goals give you focus and direction and allow you to put in place strategies towards achieving them. To identify your goals, look at your needs, values, interests, talents and expectations and see which careers are best suited.
• Assess yourself: What were some of the things that initially drew you to your current position – opportunities for growth, money, security or a combination of factors? Have your original priorities changed? Based on your goals, what do you think would motivate you today?
• Face your fears: While most people naturally remain in the same industry because it is where they consider their marketability to be the strongest, don’t be afraid to explore new professional pursuits.
• Define your passion: If you want to go in a different direction but aren’t sure which path to choose, try drawing up a list of activities that you love.
Do any of your hobbies and passions relate to careers? You'll probably find many of them do. We spend much of our time at work so it makes sense to have a career that you’re passionate about.
• Be a job sleuth: Read adverts for jobs that you’d be interested in and make a list of their requirements. Highlight the skills and prerequisites that you would need to acquire and look for ways to gain them within your current job, even if it means taking on extra work. If you need more qualifications, why not study further through a nationally recognised college either via correspondence or part-time.
Another option could be a learnership programme, which a number of recruitment companies offer. The combination of formal and workplace learning enable a candidate to attain nationally recognised qualifications and earn while they learn. Remember to also add the skills you have already gained in your career so far to your CV.
Once you have the skills for your dream job there’s only one thing to do. Start applying!
“Career plateaus happen to virtually everyone but it’s what you decide to do with them that counts,” concludes Vittee.
Thinking of changing careers? Check out Quest Staffing Solutions.
Follow Women24 on Twitter.
The reasons for this are varied and include organisational downsizing, fewer positions available at higher levels of the organisational structure and employees lacking the skills necessary to progress. With one of the most powerful incentives, the promise of advancement, no longer being an option, employees become bored, angry, frustrated and demotivated – all of which affect their performance and in turn that of the organisation for which they work.
Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, says, “A career plateau can actually be positive for individuals, both in a personal and a professional sense.”
“They have two choices – remain in their current situation or change jobs,” explains Vittee. “Some people would rather not give up the pay and benefits that they presently enjoy and use the plateau to pursue alternative avenues for growth and development. With no longer having to compete for higher-level positions, coupled with the relative stability that a plateau provides, these employees can acquire new skills. Through enhancing their skill set they can then make a lateral move to another department within the company which can give them a new outlook on the job.”
For those who would prefer to take up the challenge of changing jobs, Vittee suggests the following:
• Get goal orientated: If you don’t know where you are going you won’t know how you are going to get there.
Goals give you focus and direction and allow you to put in place strategies towards achieving them. To identify your goals, look at your needs, values, interests, talents and expectations and see which careers are best suited.
• Assess yourself: What were some of the things that initially drew you to your current position – opportunities for growth, money, security or a combination of factors? Have your original priorities changed? Based on your goals, what do you think would motivate you today?
• Face your fears: While most people naturally remain in the same industry because it is where they consider their marketability to be the strongest, don’t be afraid to explore new professional pursuits.
• Define your passion: If you want to go in a different direction but aren’t sure which path to choose, try drawing up a list of activities that you love.
Do any of your hobbies and passions relate to careers? You'll probably find many of them do. We spend much of our time at work so it makes sense to have a career that you’re passionate about.
• Be a job sleuth: Read adverts for jobs that you’d be interested in and make a list of their requirements. Highlight the skills and prerequisites that you would need to acquire and look for ways to gain them within your current job, even if it means taking on extra work. If you need more qualifications, why not study further through a nationally recognised college either via correspondence or part-time.
Another option could be a learnership programme, which a number of recruitment companies offer. The combination of formal and workplace learning enable a candidate to attain nationally recognised qualifications and earn while they learn. Remember to also add the skills you have already gained in your career so far to your CV.
Once you have the skills for your dream job there’s only one thing to do. Start applying!
“Career plateaus happen to virtually everyone but it’s what you decide to do with them that counts,” concludes Vittee.
Thinking of changing careers? Check out Quest Staffing Solutions.
Follow Women24 on Twitter.
