Ever scroll through social media and see people announcing new jobs, promotions, or major career wins? It’s hard not to feel like you should be making a big move, too. But here’s the thing—just because you’re not changing jobs doesn’t mean you’re not growing. In fact, staying put can be one of the best things you do for your career. Employers love seeing long-term growth and commitment on a resume. So instead of feeling stuck, let’s talk about how you can make the most of where you are right now.
‍

Find Ways to Grow (Even Without a Promotion)

Maybe a raise or promotion isn’t in the cards this year—whether due to budget cuts, company restructuring, or just bad timing. But that doesn’t mean your career has to stall. Focus on what you can control:

• Are there performance bonuses? Go after them.
• Is there someone in the company you admire? Ask them to mentor you.
• Are there training programs, courses, or projects you can get involved in? Take advantage of them.

Growth isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder. Learning new skills, building connections, and pushing yourself in different ways can make your current role feel fresh and exciting again.

‍
‍Remember Why You Took This Job in the First Place

‍At some point, this job was the job you wanted. It’s easy to forget that when you’re in the daily grind, but try to reflect on what drew you to it in the first place.Also, take stock of what’s actually great about your job now. Do you have a flexible schedule? A short commute? A boss who respects you? These little things can be easy to overlook—until they’re gone. Appreciating what you have can help shift your perspective.

‍

‍Take Advantage of Work-Life Balance

‍One big perk of being comfortable in your role? You don’t have to prove yourself every second of the day. Unlike the stress of a brand-new job, you know what you’re doing—so use that to your advantage.

• Actually take your lunch break.
• Log off on time.
• Unplug after work and enjoy your free time.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor, and if you have the chance to create better balance in your life, go for it.

‍
‍Get Clear on Your "Why"

‍A mentor once told me about a coworker who was incredibly talented but chose to stay in her current role. When asked why, she had specific goals she wanted to achieve before moving on. That approach stuck with me.Ask yourself:

• Are you staying to gain experience in a certain area?
• Do you want to attend a major industry event before leaving?
• Are you waiting for your 401k to vest?

Understanding why you’re staying can help ground you when career FOMO kicks in.
‍

‍Channel Your Energy Into Action

‍When you start spiraling about your career, put that energy to good use. But that doesn’t mean firing off job applications at random. Instead, focus on productive steps:

• Update your LinkedIn and resume.
• Look into networking events or meetups.
• Schedule coffee chats with people in your industry.
• Sign up for a workshop or course.

Taking small, intentional steps will help you feel more in control of your career—without making a rash decision.

‍

‍Talk to Your Boss About Your Future

‍If you’re feeling stuck, don’t keep it to yourself. Schedule a one-on-one with your manager and be upfront about what’s on your mind. Give them a heads-up beforehand with something like:“I’d love to talk about my career growth. Can we set aside time to discuss this in our next one-on-one?”This way, your boss has time to prepare, and you’re setting the stage for a productive conversation. Come prepared with:

• A list of your biggest achievements.
• Positive feedback you’ve received.
• Ideas for how you want to grow.

If your boss presents roadblocks, ask for specifics—what milestones do you need to hit? How can they support you? Having clarity will help you make a plan.

‍

‍Lean on Your Support System

‍Even after talking to your boss, it’s helpful to get outside perspectives. Reach out to mentors, trusted colleagues, or industry peers. These people can:

• Give you an honest take on your situation.
• Help you strategize your next move.
• Advocate for you when opportunities come up.

Having a strong network can make all the difference when you’re figuring out what’s next.

‍

‍Own Your Career Path

‍It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when everyone around you is moving up. But career growth isn’t just about job-hopping or promotions—it’s about making smart, intentional moves. By focusing on what you can control, appreciating what you have, and taking thoughtful steps toward your next opportunity, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Trust your journey, and remember—you’re exactly where you need to be right now.