(And why you might feel stuck, too)

It starts with a quiet itch.

A sense that you’re no longer learning.

That your role has become a routine.

That you’ve outgrown the space you’re in – but you’re not sure what’s next.

This is the silent signal of stalled career growth. And you’re not alone.

According to a recent LinkedIn study, 94% of employees said they would stay longer at a company if it invested in their career development. Yet far too many workplaces still operate as if career growth is a bonus — not a necessity.

When Growth Stalls, People Leave

Let’s be clear: People don’t just leave because of salary. They leave when their potential feels wasted. When they stop seeing a path forward. When there’s no clear bridge between where they are and where they could go.

And this doesn’t just apply to entry-level staff. Even mid-level and senior professionals can feel this stagnation. That’s when things get dangerous – because disengagement doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Compliant. Clocked in, but tuned out.

Career stagnation leads to:

• Lower motivation and creativity
• Decreased loyalty and increased job hopping
• A loss of confidence and ambition
• Burnout disguised as boredom

And yet, the solution isn’t always to jump ship. Often, what’s needed first is clarity.

Do You Know What You Want?

It’s a deceptively hard question.

Most of us were never taught how to build a career that aligns with our deeper values, interests, and long-term goals. We chase job titles, promotions, or higher salaries – only to realise they don’t always bring meaning.

That’s why career growth is not just about moving up. It’s about moving forward – in a direction that feels right for you.

So ask yourself:

• When was the last time I felt stretched in a good way?
• What kind of problems do I enjoy solving?
• Who do I want to become through my work?
• Am I climbing a ladder that leads to a future I actually want?

If these questions feel overwhelming, that’s okay. Growth starts with awareness.

The Case for Reimagining Career Growth

The modern workforce is changing. Traditional hierarchies are flattening. Skills are evolving faster than ever. Career paths are no longer ladders – they’re lattices.

That means your next opportunity might not be “up” – it might be across. Or in a completely new direction.

Whether it’s a shift into leadership, a new industry, or deeper expertise in your current field, career growth today is about adaptability, intentionality, and support.

And that’s where coaching comes in.

Coaching: Your Career GPS

A great coach doesn’t hand you a roadmap. They help you build your own – based on your values, strengths, and aspirations.

With the right support, you can:

• Unpack your current frustrations and turn them into fuel
• Clarify your next steps (even if they’re small)
• Build confidence and communicate your value
• Make informed career decisions, not reactive ones

Career growth isn’t just about ambition. It’s about alignment. And alignment creates energy. Momentum. Purpose.

That’s the real ROI of investing in yourself.

A Quiet Nudge to Reflect

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, or uninspired at work – don’t ignore it. It’s not laziness. It’s not entitlement. It’s your potential calling for attention.

You deserve a career that excites you. Challenges you. Reflects who you are becoming.

So instead of asking, “Should I quit?”

Try asking, “What would it look like to grow, right here, right now?”

And if you’re not sure – that’s exactly where the work begins.