How to Overcome Feeling Behind in Your Career: 5 Tips
It is easy to look around and feel like everyone else is moving faster than you are. Maybe your friends got promotions, or a former classmate started a successful business. Feeling behind in your career can be tough, but it is a common feeling. You are not alone.
The good news is that you can change this. Here are five tips to help you overcome that feeling and get back on track.
1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
This is the most important step. Social media often shows only the highlights of other people’s careers, not the struggles or the long hours. Everyone’s path is different. Focus on your own journey, your own goals, and your own progress. Your definition of success does not have to match anyone else’s.
- Action: Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel bad. Instead, focus on your own achievements, no matter how small they seem.
2. Define Your Own Success and Goals
If you feel behind, maybe you are chasing someone else’s idea of success. What does “success” mean to you? Is it a certain job title, a specific salary, a good work-life balance, or making a certain impact?
Once you know what you want, set clear, small goals. Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into manageable steps.
- Action: Write down what success looks like for you. Then, list three small, achievable steps you can take this month towards your biggest career goal.
3. Learn New Skills and Upskill
The job market is always changing. If you feel stuck, it might be time to learn something new or improve existing skills. This does not mean going back to school full-time. Online courses, workshops, and certifications can make a big difference.
Think about what skills are in demand in your field or in the field you want to enter. Learning new things boosts your confidence and makes you more valuable to employers.
- Action: Research one skill that could help your career. Find a free or low-cost online course or tutorial to start learning it this week.
4. Network and Seek Mentorship
Connecting with others in your field can open doors and provide new perspectives. Networking is not just about finding a new job; it is about learning, sharing ideas, and getting advice.
Find a mentor – someone who has achieved what you aspire to. They can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you avoid common mistakes.
- Action: Reach out to two people on LinkedIn in your industry for an informational chat. Or, identify someone whose career you admire and consider asking them for advice.
5. Reflect on Your Achievements and Progress
It is easy to forget how far you have come. Take time to look back at what you have already achieved. Maybe you completed a challenging project, learned a new software, or helped a colleague. All these things count.
Keeping a “win list” or a journal of your professional accomplishments can be very motivating. It helps you see your progress and reminds you of your capabilities.
- Action: Make a list of 5-10 professional achievements you are proud of from the last year or two. Keep this list handy to remind yourself of your strengths.
Feeling behind in your career is a temporary state. By stopping comparisons, defining your path, learning, connecting with others, and appreciating your progress, you can build momentum and move towards a career that truly fulfills you. Your career journey is unique, and it is never too late to take control of it.
