Beware the 7 signs of career standstill

BOSTON - Sept. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- With employers reporting the highest number of job openings in more than 13 years, many people are at least being tempted to test the better employment market – especially those who feel stuck in their jobs, according to ClearRock Inc., a leadership development, executive coaching and outplacement firm headquartered in Boston.

Employers reported having 4.7 million job openings on the last business day of July – the highest number of job openings since February 2001, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

In addition, the ratio of unemployed people to job openings has fallen significantly over the years. There are now 2 unemployed people for every job opening, down from a high of more than 6 unemployed people per job opening in 2009, according to a report by the bureau.

“While the better job market is good news for all workers, it also may embolden those who have been feeling unhappy, unchallenged, unappreciated or unrewarded at work, but have waited for more opportunities before taking action,” said Ellie Eckhoff, vice president with ClearRock.

As a first step, evaluate your job and career to see if you have any of the 7 Signs You May Be Stuck In Your Job:

1. You don’t feel challenged by your job
2. You're unhappy with going into work each day
3. You have stopped growing in your job
4. Your accomplishments have not been recognized or rewarded
5. You aren't being paid what you’re worth
6. You aren't receiving the respect you feel you deserve
7. You have taken a passive approach to your career

“You should look into improving your job situation if you feel you lack challenges, have stopped growing, or feel unrewarded or unrecognized,” said Laura Poisson, senior vice president with ClearRock http://www.clearrock.com

Pay is one of the first signs people notice that something is wrong about their jobs. “When your pay isn’t keeping pace with your increasing experience and responsibilities, that may be a not-so-subtle sign something is amiss,” added Eckhoff.

“If you have been taking a passive approach to your career and your main focus is on doing just enough to get by in your job, it’s time to re-assess your situation,” said Poisson.

There are two ways to get your career unstuck – make progress at your current job or search elsewhere. “Don’t automatically assume you have to change jobs. You may be able to enlarge it, make a lateral move, or change departments,” said Eckhoff.

ClearRock offers these remedies to the seven signs you may be stuck in your job:

1. Take a more active role in managing your career. A good starting point is a frank discussion with your manager about your potential, possibilities to expand your responsibilities, make your job more challenging, or transfer to another department or role.

2. Determine whether it’s worth staying with your employer. “Rate the major factors – such as compensation and benefits, opportunity for advancement, relationships with your manager and co-workers, and how much you like the job – as either positives or negatives. Then, see if there are more plusses or minuses,” said Poisson.

3. Look elsewhere for a significant opportunity to advance in your career. “One reason to leave may be if a potential job is substantially better than your current position in career growth, chances for advancement, more responsibilities, and a sizeable difference in pay and benefits. The new position should offer clear advantages other than just a bigger paycheck,” said Eckhoff.

4. Make a lateral move or change departments. “Transfer your skills to another part of your current company or at the same level with another employer. The switch should be to an area in which you already have both the education and experience to succeed,” said Poisson.

5. Increase your challenges.  Volunteer to lead a special project, task force or charity drive so you can showcase your capacity to take on responsibility and produce results.

6. Find a mentor. Working with a mentor can help you acquire job-related skills and refine your people-related abilities.

About ClearRock, Inc.
ClearRock, Inc. is a Boston-based leadership development, executive coaching, and outplacement firm that is recognized for bringing best-in-class offerings to the coaching process. We offer developmental coaching for high-potential managers and executives; new-leader coaching for newly hired or recently promoted managers and leaders; performance coaching to help managers and executives become more effective, and outplacement coaching through a combination of a “high touch” career transition assistance and comprehensive “high tech” resources.

Our coaches and consultants have decades of experience, and our customized approach factors in everything from career goals and organizational objectives to client and consultant/coach compatibility. We tailor action plans for every organization and individual we work with, and our track record speaks for itself – numerous advancements for our coachees, rapid re-employment for our outplacement candidates, and long-lasting client relationships. For more information, visit www.clearrock.com