Periods of feeling bored, disinterested and unchallenged at work may feel “part of the job,” but they also may be indicators that you’ve outgrown your role. Recognizing that you’ve possibly fulfilled and surpassed your professional quota within a certain role is a nod toward self-awareness. But now what? Don’t fret. Here are a few tips for moving forward confidently into your next professional era.
Evaluate Your Next Steps Without Burning Bridges
Expressing interest in new projects or skills to your manager is a strategic way to see what your options are without making any irrevocable changes. Asking questions about potential opportunities within the company you’re currently at doesn’t raise any suspicions that you’re looking to switch things up. It simply gives you a lay of the land before considering looking for a new role elsewhere.
Upgrade Your Certification List
Before taking off from your current place of work, consider what certifications you could add to qualify for a greater range of roles. Chasing after a new certification or two will likely appeal to managers or supervisors within your current workplace, possibly bumping you up immediately into a more robust role. Many times, your place of work will cover the certification course as well if there are any accompanying costs.
Explore Shadowing Opportunities
Before switching up your whole trajectory, consider looking for opportunities to put yourself in another professional’s shoes for a few days. Shadowing someone in a senior or adjacent role can give you an actual taste of what it would be like to change jobs, without taking on the responsibility of the new role just yet.
Don’t be afraid of the fact that you may have outgrown your job. Just remain open to a nearby transition or lateral promotion before doing anything drastic. Evolving professionally can feel complicated, but ultimately it serves to point you toward where you will thrive next.
