Career frustration is a widespread phenomenon amongst professionals, specifically after specific years. In the beginning, you would not even feel or notice it. It is like a sneaky feeling that increases over time, and when not addressed, career frustration rises to a level where we feel burned out and not well. It is like you are in prison, stuck, and can’t get out of the famous Hamster Wheel that I constantly repeat.
The empowering truth is that you can manage and even lead your career frustration. The power is in your hands. The question is: How high is the pain in acting as we tend to stay in our comfort zone? How committed are you to steer your career?
If your answer is very high, and if we scale it from 0 to 10, 10 being the highest, if it is 8 and above, then this guide is for you. Let’s delve into it, then, shall we? Some practical tips for managing your career frustration.
4 Practical Tips to Overcome Career Frustration
1. Identify Your Career Frustration
- Do you feel stagnant in your career with no opportunities to grow?
- Do you feel disconnected from your organization? Values and mission do not resonate with you anymore.
- Does it feel like you don’t have any work-life balance, too much stress, and overload?
- Did it become a toxic working environment? Bullying, you can’t get along with your manager.
- Mismatched skills – do you feel undervalued, underutilized, or you can’t use your strengths and passion?
Whatever the feeling or situation, if you can’t put your finger on it, it isn’t easy to make a move. If you are uncertain, you can ask your friends, family, and peers, consult a coach, or seek a mentor. Crafting an action plan is impossible if we don’t know where we start and where we want to go.
2. Set Clear Goals and Achievable Goals
The Most frustrating aspect of a career is a lack of direction. For that, craft yourself micro-goals that will move you in the direction you want to go. Each step counts, and you need to be your cheerleader. You know most likely “SMART” goals, and I added 2 different letters to it:
- E – for exciting
- R- for rewarding
The micro goals you set for yourself need to excite you. Of course, the reward at the end is your success.
3. Get Behind the Steering Wheel of Your Career
When frustration comes from staying stagnant, you need to look for opportunities and be proactive. Possessing a growth mindset and pursuing your dream job is in your hands. Once you know where to go, look out for required certifications and any upskill possibilities.
This action will increase your self-confidence and value in any potential employer’s eyes. Lifelong learning is the antidote for frustration and stagnation. You are the CEO of your career.
4. Networking
Internal and external. It is not about working hard; it is about working smart. Keep your eyes and ears open at work, attend town halls, events, and after-work activities.
Don’t only work in your silo. Break out and see what is out there. Seek for events outside your organization. Webinars and online and on-site gatherings are crucial to feel empowered as you empower yourself with any action you take.
At the end ….
Frustration comes from the feeling that you have no other choice but to suffer day in and day out. However, as my motto says, life is too short to live an unfulfilled professional life. Make it worthwhile each day where you feel you live your purpose, have an impact, and at least love what you do for 80%. Being aware is the first step in admitting you are unhappy at work.
The rest will come on its own; with intention and a clear plan, you will start to steer your career from frustration to fulfilment. If in doubt, reach out.