Getting Out of a Professional Rut

Most jobs will have periods where the work feels repetitive or dull. Likewise, we, as human beings, will always come across points in our lives where we feel like we are in a rut, either personally or professionally.

The trick is knowing how to handle professional ruts when they occur. A professional rut (also known as a career rut) can feel completely demoralizing. Worse, it can be intimidating to want to deal with it, as it feels like one is risking their steady paycheck.

The good news is that this is not a new phenomenon, and countless people have shared their advice on navigating a professional rut. Here are a few tips for you to follow should you be dealing with it.

Tip #1: Work On Your Skills and Certifications

One of the best ways to deal with a professional rut is to work on your skills and certifications. For example, a person in a more technical position should work on other tech-based skills. This will help bolster your resume should you decide that now is the time to begin the job hunt.

Alternatively, these newly improved skills may open doors within your current company. Is there a position that looks more interesting? Find out what skills you need to switch to this position, and begin working on them. Doing so will not only make you more valuable to the company, but it should give you a fresh burst of motivation.

Tip #2: Look Inward and Ascertain the Cause

Sometimes it may feel like we’re in a professional rut, but the cause has nothing to do with work. Personal life ruts are all too familiar and tend to impact every avenue of our lives. When feeling in a rut, take some time to look inward and ascertain the cause. This will help you understand what your next step should be.

Now would be a great time to seek help or counseling, should you feel comfortable doing so. Sometimes we need that outside perspective to see what isn’t working. Additionally, this guide can help you create a path that will bring your happiness.

Tip #3: Assess Your Professional Goals

Are you feeling stuck in a professional rut? Then it’s time to look at your goals - specifically your professional ones. Review your goals and assess your progress. Are these goals too simple, or are they insurmountable? When choosing goals, the trick is finding something that will bring you a challenge (and motivation) while still being attainable.

Don’t be afraid to switch up your goals. Likewise, creating new goals or changing the target is okay. For example, maybe your goal was to get a promotion, but after years of trying, there’s still no progress. So perhaps your new goal should be finding a company that will value your skills and talent.

Tip #4: Invest In Your Life

Dealing with a professional rut can offer you a fresh perspective on what matters. For example, now may be the perfect time to invest in your life a bit more. No, we don’t mean your professional life. It can be any avenue of your life. Maybe now is the time to pick up a new hobby, something to give you new excitement.

Finding new ways to add fulfillment to your life is a great way to make your professional rut fade into the background. Remember that it isn’t always possible to have a fulfilling career - that’s where personal development comes into play.

Tip #5: Take a Break

Sometimes this feeling of being in a rut can stem from burnout, a stress that comes from working too hard. One of the best (and fastest) ways to recover from burnout is by taking a break. That could mean just taking one or two days off or taking a proper vacation. Consider how you’re feeling and what the best solution may be for you. Take the time you need to recover to return to work feeling happy and refreshed.