Feeling stuck in a career rut is something that many working women experience throughout their careers. You feel unmotivated, that you are not learning anything new, or that your current job has no growth prospects. 

It happens to the best of us, and when it does, it can take a toll on your overall happiness and well-being. Not to mention, it can also hurt your chances for professional growth.

Don’t worry, we are here to tell you it is normal, but you can break free and move forward in your career.

Signs that you are in a career rut

Lack of enthusiasm or motivation for work tasks: You may find yourself dragging your feet to start tasks, feeling uninspired by your projects, or struggling to find job satisfaction in your daily responsibilities.

Feeling unfulfilled or disengaged: Despite completing tasks and meeting deadlines, you may still feel a sense of emptiness or disconnection from your work, as if it lacks meaning or purpose for you.

Stagnation in professional growth: You might have been putting in the extra hours, seeking out new challenges, or pursuing additional training, but still find yourself stuck in the same position without opportunities for growth or development.

Frustration, boredom, or anxiety about work: These emotions may arise frequently, making it difficult to stay focused and productive. You might feel like you're just going through the motions without any sense of accomplishment or satisfaction.

Persistent negative thoughts about your career: Negative thoughts about your career prospects, abilities, or the direction of your career may occupy your mind, leading to feelings of unhappiness within your professional life.

Daydreaming about a career change: You may find yourself fantasising about a career change, imagining what it would be like to pursue something different or work in a different industry.

Longing for change: Despite efforts to convince yourself otherwise, you can't shake the feeling that something needs to change in your career. You might be after a new challenge, a different work environment, or a shift in responsibilities to reignite your passion and motivation.

How to get out of a career rut

Getting out of a career rut can be challenging, but a working woman can overcome anything with determination and a strategic approach. 

Here are four things you can do to start bouncing back from your career rut, no matter how long you’ve been stuck there.

Take some time to self-reflect

Consider your current situation and reflect on what aspects of it are causing you to feel stuck. Is it boredom, a lack of challenge, feeling undervalued, or something else? Understanding the root cause can help you devise a plan to address it.

Set clear goals

Once you have had time to reflect and identify your "blockers," set new goals. These goals should challenge and motivate you to step out of your comfort zone.

Define your career goals and aspirations. Where do you see yourself in the next few years? What gets you excited? 

Make lists. Having clear goals can provide direction and motivation.

Keep learning

Upskilling is one of the best ways to future-proof your career. Identify any skills or knowledge gaps that may hold you back professionally and take steps to address them. 

This could involve taking relevant courses, attending workshops, or pursuing further education. There are so many free online courses if you want to brush up on your skills or speak to your employer about training opportunities. You can also read articles, listen to podcasts, and join online communities. 

When you remain curious, you remain relevant, and continuous learning is a great way to boost your self-esteem. 

Networking is crucial for working women

Networking is essential for empowering working women and promoting your success on both a personal and professional level. Build and leverage your professional network. Connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers who can offer advice and support and potentially open doors to new opportunities.

Seek feedback

Request feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or mentors to gain insights into areas for improvement and identify any strengths you can leverage. Additionally, you can seek feedback from your network and mentors on your career goals or plans. 

It's important to be open and receptive to feedback - not defensive or resistant - so that you can learn from your experiences and celebrate your successes.

Explore new opportunities 

Be open to exploring new roles, assignments, or even industries that align with your interests and goals. Sometimes, a change in environment can provide the fresh perspective needed to reignite your passion for your work.

Read our article on how working women can navigate a career change.

Take proactive steps and demonstrate initiative

Only you can get yourself out of a career rut, so it is crucial to take proactive measures to bring about positive change in your career. 

Look for ways to take on new challenges or responsibilities within your current role. Proactively seek out opportunities to showcase your skills and make meaningful contributions to your organisation. This is a great way to learn something new, and you are showing your employer that you are eager to learn and develop. 

You will also find yourself feeling more motivated by the challenge of something different.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance

Ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is a big challenge for working mothers. Although there will never be a balance between work and life, if you can learn to successfully integrate the two, it is possible to have a rewarding full-time career and personal life.

When the integration between work and life is unsuccessful, it can lead to burnout, and burnout can contribute to feeling stuck in your career. 

Make time for activities outside of work that bring you joy and rejuvenate your energy. Don’t burn the midnight oil, leave work at work.

Read our article for tips on maintaining a healthy work-life integration.

Ask for support

Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional coach or counsellor who can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate through your career rut. They will use their expertise to provide you with specialised advice and tips on how to overcome the specific factors causing your career rut. 

Stay positive and persevere 

Remember that overcoming a career rut takes time and effort. This is a process that won’t correct itself overnight. Stay positive, be patient, stay persistent, and believe in your ability to make positive changes in your career.

We have all been here. You’ve got this, girl!

RecruitMyMom supports working women throughout their career life cycle. We know the right job for you is out there, and we are with you every step of the way.

Join our skilled moms database and apply for the job that you’ve always wanted.