It happens to the best of us. You’re in a job you once loved, working for a company you respect, but something feels… off. The spark is dimmed, the excitement wanes, and you find yourself dreaming of a role that doesn’t currently exist. This isn’t just career wanderlust; it’s an undeniable itch for growth and change.
So, what do you do when a role change feels necessary, but there’s no clear next step within your organization?
Reflect on What’s Missing
Before diving into solutions, take a moment to analyze your feelings. What’s driving the sense of stagnation? Why I feel like I don’t belong to my role? Is it a lack of challenge, creativity, or alignment with your values? Identifying the core issue will help clarify what you’re truly seeking in a new role. Consider asking yourself:
- What aspects of my current role energize me?
- What tasks drain my motivation?
- Are there skills I’m eager to use or develop that I’m not currently utilizing?
Envision Your Ideal Day And Role
When I feel unmotivated for a coming day, I use mental exercise in the evening. I lay in my bed and start thinking about where I would be tomorrow morning if it were an ideal world. Where would you be? How do I get to work? What am I wearing… So far, I have fallen asleep before I have gotten to the point where I actually start working in my dreams, but many nice things have already happened by then. And many things have been clarifying the missing parts I have at the moment.
But once you get the hang of the missing parts of your day, it’s easy to transfer to your role, start thinking about what’s missing, and imagine a role that fulfills those needs. The trick is being specific:
- What would your day-to-day responsibilities look like? There will always be things that you need to do and ain’t that fun, so be realistic.
- How would this role align with your long-term career goals? Do you know what you want to do not next but after that?
- Would it involve leadership, innovation, or collaboration? Again, you can’t have it all, so you need to choose.
For me, the main point is to write down the vision. Sometimes, articulating it helps illuminate possibilities even within your company that you hadn’t considered.
Initiate Open Conversations
I was sitting in our lounge area in my rocking chair, enjoying the perfect sunrise, with my tea cup and listening to young colleagues discuss their dreams. “I would just like to do biking. All the time,” said the other one. I genuinely hope she goes to her boss to discuss options, allowing her to do more of what she loves. After all, many things can be negotiated, and most employees are flexible, but you need to present and sell your case!
I know expressing dissatisfaction to your leader can feel daunting, but open communication is key. Schedule a meeting, if not with your manager, then at least with your mentor to discuss your aspirations. Sometimes, approaching your suggestion positively helps. Focus on your desire for growth rather than discontent.
Explore Opportunities, both internal and external.
Your ideal role might not have a job posting, but that doesn’t mean it’s unattainable. Many organizations value initiative and innovation. If you’ve identified a gap in your company that aligns with your skills and interests, propose a new position or project.
If you’ve exhausted internal possibilities and still feel stuck, it might be time to consider external opportunities. While leaving a familiar environment is never easy, prioritizing your growth and fulfillment is essential. Approach the transition thoughtfully, ensuring you leave on good terms and maintain your professional network.
Embrace the Uncertainty
For an impatient person like me, this is the hardest part. I would prefer things to happen now rather than in the future. But change is rarely straightforward, especially when you’re charting new territory. It’s okay to feel uncertain, impatient, or even scared. You still need to trust your process of reflection and action is leading you toward a role that aligns with your passions and strengths.
Stuck doesn’t mean failure.
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean failure—it’s often a sign that you’re ready for your next chapter. Whether that chapter unfolds within your current organization or beyond, the key is approaching it with intention and courage. Remember, your career is a journey, not a static destination. And sometimes, the most fulfilling roles are the ones we create for ourselves.
