Should You Stay Stagnant In Your Career?
As responsible adults, we have a lot of responsibilities that include taking care of our home, paying bills, trying to keep a roof over our heads, and feeling for our family. It is important to have a source of income to provide these things. With that being said, we don’t all like our jobs. Some of us even feel like our work environment is toxic, keeping us stagnant, and want to make a change. But at what point should you make a change, or should you stay stagnant in your career?
What Does It Mean To Be Stagnant?
To be stagnant means that you aren’t progressing in your position. It means that you are at the point in your career where every day is looking the same. There aren’t any promotions on the rise, and you may feel like there aren’t any new skills for you to gain. You feel stuck with nowhere to go. And that is not a good feeling. Stagnation can garner feelings of unhappiness. In some cases, that unhappiness can lead to a toxic work environment, a negative work-life balance, and even cause problems at home.
Should You Remain Stagnant?
When it comes to your mental health, physical well-being, and work-life balance, never stay in a situation that makes you feel unhappy or uncomfortable. I overheard a lady talking about how her husband felt unhappy in his current role. She preferred the spouse to remain stagnant and unhappy. They didn’t agree with a career change because they felt it would harm the household. They didn’t want to lose their spouse’s pension, extra vacation, balanced schedule, good salary, or take up extra household responsibilities.
Now, I’m not saying that this person’s feelings weren’t valid, but do I advocate for someone remaining stagnant and unhappy at a job? No. There are ways to retain all of the listed benefits and still be happy. It takes a little time, communication, and great job-hunting skills to find a new position. There is no harm in exploring other options until you find something that fits. To the uncompromising spouse that says no rather than trying a solution that makes everyone happy: Reevaluate your way of thinking. Would you want to stay at a job that you didn’t like, where you felt like you weren’t going anywhere? Be open to communication exploring new ideas, and helping find a solution that benefits everyone not just yourself. If you don’t, resentment will be inevitable.
What Happens If You Can’t Leave?
If you ever find yourself in a position where you can not leave, don’t worry. Try to see if there are open roles you can transition into. A role that suits your work-life balance and offers new skills and opportunities.
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