Every career reaches a point where progression seems to stall. You’ve worked hard, achieved goals, and climbed the ladder, but suddenly the path forward becomes unclear.
As someone who’s spent decades in corporate training and consulting, I’ve seen countless professionals, both fresh and seasoned, hit this plateau.
It’s frustrating, demotivating, and can leave you feeling stuck.
But here’s the good news: a plateau doesn’t mean the end.
It’s actually an opportunity to reassess, reframe, and refuel your career. In this article, I’ll share insights from my experience and the latest research on how to navigate these tricky stages.
Let’s turn that career lull into a time of growth.
You can listen to EduRes experts in the following YouTube deep dive podcast on “Navigating Career Plateaus”.
What Is a Career Plateau?
A career plateau happens when your usual trajectory of progress halts.
Most employees experience this after reaching a certain level of seniority. At this point, promotions become scarce, and work can feel repetitive.
According to a survey by LinkedIn, about 57% of professionals hit a plateau, typically after 10 to 15 years in their careers.
It’s a challenging phase because it can lead to burnout, frustration, or a sense of being uninspired. This isn’t just about a lack of upward movement—sometimes it’s an internal feeling of dissatisfaction. Overcoming it requires a shift in mindset: stop seeing it as a block and instead use it as a time to reinvent your career.
Recognize the Signs of a Career Plateau
Recognizing you’re in a plateau is the first and often hardest step. You might feel like admitting you’re stuck is a form of failure, but it’s actually the opposite. By acknowledging it early, you can prevent long-term dissatisfaction.
According to Gallup, only 33% of U.S. employees feel engaged at work.
That leaves a significant portion of the workforce in some form of career plateau.
If you find yourself feeling unchallenged, unmotivated, or no longer excited about your work, you’re likely in one.
I remember working with a mid-level manager who described her career as “comfortably stagnant.” Together, we recognized her need for new challenges, and we built a plan to move her forward.
This shift in mindset is essential to break through.
Reframe Your Goals
In the early stages of your career, promotions and pay raises often fuel motivation. But once you hit a plateau, it’s time to reframe those goals.
Instead of focusing on climbing the ladder, look inward and consider personal growth.
Focus on Skill Development
Ask yourself: What skills do I want to master next?
Maybe it’s something outside of your current role, like learning a new language, mastering a coding skill, or diving into industry-specific research. This keeps your mind sharp and can open unexpected career doors.
A study from Harvard Business Review reveals that emotional intelligence is responsible for 90% of what sets high performers apart from their peers.
Developing soft skills like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence during a plateau can set you apart even without a job title change.
Consider Lateral Moves
Sometimes a sideways career step opens up more opportunities than upward movement. Shifting to a different department or taking on cross-functional projects can provide fresh challenges and learning experiences.
Forbes reports that 30% of employees now consider lateral moves to combat stagnation.
Set Non-Work Goals
Reignite your passion by setting goals outside of work. It could be running a marathon, writing a book, or even starting a side hustle.
Non-career-related goals give you a break and often boost creativity in your professional life.
Find Support Through Mentorship and Networking
No career develops in isolation. Whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or peers, surrounding yourself with the right people is key to pushing through a plateau.
If you’re stuck, lean on others for advice or opportunities.
Seek a Mentor
Mentorship can be invaluable, especially from someone outside your organization.
They provide fresh perspectives and help you see options you might not have considered.
The Association for Talent Development reports that employees with mentors are five times more likely to see career growth.
Expand Your Professional Network
Networking helps spark new ideas and exposes you to different viewpoints. Whether it’s joining professional groups, attending industry events, or simply expanding your connections on LinkedIn, staying engaged with others in your field can help you break through the plateau.
According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, underscoring its importance not just for job seekers, but for anyone looking to stay motivated and informed.
Diversify Your Skills
One of the best ways to get out of a career rut is by diversifying your skill set.
If you’ve been in the same role or industry for a while, your expertise may be deep but narrow. Broaden your capabilities by picking up new skills that will make you more versatile.
For example, one of my clients, a senior engineer, felt stagnant after years of focusing on the same projects.
By expanding his skills into data science, he reignited his passion and even discovered new career paths he hadn’t considered before.
Whether it’s taking online courses, reading, or learning through hands-on experience, diversifying your skills can lead to long-term career success.
Set Micro-Goals to Stay Productive
Big goals like promotions or new projects may seem out of reach during a career plateau.
That’s why it’s essential to shift your focus to smaller, more achievable goals.
The Power of Micro-Goals
Micro-goals are specific, manageable tasks that give you a sense of accomplishment, even when major milestones feel distant.
Research by the American Psychological Association shows that setting short-term goals can improve performance and boost motivation.
For example, if you’re aiming for a leadership role, your micro-goals might include attending workshops, reading relevant books, or seeking mentorship.
These small steps keep you moving forward and reduce feelings of frustration and stagnation.
Take on New Challenges
Even if you’re not climbing the ladder, new challenges can reignite your passion. Look for cross-departmental projects, collaborations, or opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone.
Taking on projects that scare you, whether it’s leading a team or spearheading an initiative, can be a game-changer. In my experience, the professionals who embrace new challenges during plateaus often experience the most growth.
Invest in Personal Development
A career plateau is the perfect time to invest in yourself.
Whether through online courses, books, or hobbies, expanding your horizons ensures you’re ready when new opportunities arise.
A 2021 LinkedIn Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their development.
I can attest to this firsthand: during one of my own career lulls, I took up public speaking. It wasn’t necessary for my job at the time, but it became invaluable when I transitioned into consulting.
Conclusion: A Plateau is Just a Pause
Career plateaus are part of the journey, but they don’t have to be negative. With the right mindset, they can become valuable growth phases. Reframe this time as an opportunity to master new skills, expand your network, and invest in yourself.
From my experience, each career plateau I’ve faced ultimately led to greater opportunities. So, instead of seeing this phase as a block, view it as a pause before your next big leap.
Embrace the plateau, set micro-goals, and use this time wisely. Your career might just be ready to soar again when you least expect it.
Please tell us about your experiences and were encountered career plateaus? and how you navigated it successfully.
