This is how you will know:
1) You are given additional responsibilities. Oftentimes, we are working in our next position before officially getting the title. Make the most of this time. Record your wins. Have solutions for your opportunities for improvement. Make it so they can’t tell you “No” when it’s time for promotion. How? Present yourself each day like you are already in that position. This may require making a few changes. For example, if management does not require cameras for meetings, turn your camera on so they can see you are ready and prepared to show up. Speak up more in group settings. Provide feedback and pay attention so you ask the right questions. When you show up the right way, people will make room for you because they don’t want to lose a valuable resource. And if not, you are now set with the tools to take your talents to your new position in your next organization.
2) You are bored. Even if your workload is heavy. You feel like you can do your job in your sleep. You are no longer challenged. You are the resident expert, and everyone comes to you for everything. While this can be an awesome feeling of accomplishment, you are stagnant and are no longer growing. You can take advantage of this time to learn a new, more challenging area of work within your own team or another role within the company.
3) Doing all the work and getting none of the credit. You do not have to be an attention-seeker to want credit for the work you have done. However, if you are in a scenario where others are being recognized on behalf of your labor, or where your contributions are downplayed, it is time for you to move on. Probably to another company, not another department within the current company. Your work environment should be one that encourages advancement and new ideas. Your management should not feel threatened by an employee that can think outside the box and seeks to implement improvements. They should support your growth because when you look good, they look good. It’s really a win/win.
4) You have gone as far as you can go. There are no additional opportunities for you to pursue within your team or this organization. (Presuming there is not a position you can create for yourself based on your given skillset.) Your attempts to advance have either been thwarted or you have been told you are not ready. If the latter, speak with management and put a S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Specific) plan in place where your goals and action items are specifically addressed with an action plan once the objectives have been met.
5) The environment is no longer a productive one. You are not supported by management. There is disorganization. Morale is low. No one cares. You are lacking passion and drive. Pull yourself together and recognize that just getting by is not a breeding ground for success. Success requires growth. If you are not working to improve or add to your value, then what are you doing? Go where growth is encouraged. Your next position should be one so great that it scares you. It should make you want to do better. Be better than you were yesterday. Small steps lead to great advancements.
Do any of these apply to you? Think about your current environment and start making the necessary changes today if so. It is never too late, and you are never too old to improve and advance. The next step starts today.
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