I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!

...and what you can do to get back up today.Paige has been at the University for 9 years. She has been promoted, received great praise from her peers, faculty, and deans. She has traveled the world on behalf of the School. When her daughter was born, she took on a flexible schedule and continued to exceed goals. She loves her job, the students, and her 15-minute commute.And yet, Paige is STUCK. She hit a plateau in her career, and needs a change. Paige wants to be stimulated in new ways. She wants to meet new people; learn something new; and try something completely different.But Paige in comfortable. She loves her schedule, her colleagues, and her commute.She's in the prime of her career. Paige wonders if she is missing an opportunity.Paige knows she needs a change. But what does she want to do? Who does she want to be when she grows up? Maybe she shouldn't create waves. There are so many good things about her job. Can her family run smoothly if she gives up her flexibility? That's that pesky voice in her head talking.She's at a standstill. She hasn't fallen yet, but she's on the verge. Then what?Are you, or have you been in a similar situation as Paige? What steps can you take to get out of the quicksand? Try a few, or all, of these tactics to make progress. 

1. Positive Feedback Survey. Create a list of 10 people who know you well: family, friends, former and current colleagues, all in a diversity of relationships to you. These people are amongst your biggest fans. Email each one asking for positive feedback, i.e.: what are your strengths/important contributions/value add and examples of when and how you've demonstrated it. (This is NOT constructive feedback. You are not looking for opportunity for growth; just feedback focused on your strengths.) Gather all the information and identify common themes. Which themes point out areas that excite you? Learn more on how to do this
2. Mental Model. Think about the following questions (best to do while driving, working out, in the shower, etc.)

If you knew you would be highly successful in your career, what job or career would you pursue?

If you had enough money to do whatever you wanted, what job or career would you pursue?

3. Industry Opportunities. What are the hot areas in your industry with active hiring? Do you have a good sense of this? If not, reach out to your contacts for their input. What excites you when you consider these areas? Are there other industries with similar roles?

When you are stuck it can be hard to see an opportunity. The quick sand is your stimulus to make change. You can stay where you are and be fine...but eventually you will start to sink again.Lessons Learned. Don't stand still. Paige didn't. With some hard work, and working with a coach(!), she landed a job that allows her to use the skills and strengths she loves, with a flexible schedule. Her commute is now 25 minutes, but it gives her time to listen to her favorite Podcasts.