Top 7 Tips to Avoid Career Stagnation

To keep developing professionally and avoid getting stuck in a deputy position for years, HR experts recommend:

Tip №1. Keep a career journal and record your achievements

This will help you clearly track your professional growth. Since small wins quickly fade from memory in the flow of daily tasks, it's worth writing in your journal at the end of each workday what you managed to do well. You can log not only completed tasks but also your own insights, thoughts, and ideas that seem promising.

Tip №2. Conduct a career audit

Periodically-say, every six months-evaluate:

• what you have achieved,

• what you have learned,

• what has been your most valuable experience,

• what currently dissatisfies you and what you want to change.

Compare this with your long-term goals. If you see that your progress is too slow or has stopped altogether, that's a signal to take action-adjust your priorities, look for training opportunities, or seek new projects.

This kind of self-analysis helps you understand whether you're moving toward your long-term objectives. That's why evaluating your own progress is often called the key to not getting stuck.

It's also important, when conducting an audit, to envision yourself in the future. Think about this: if your current position disappeared in five years,

• What related roles might emerge (for example, "AI Collaboration Manager" instead of "Department Head")?

• What three skills would be critical in this new reality (for example, managing hybrid teams, data analysis, prompt engineering)?

This approach will help you stay ahead of trends instead of chasing them.

Tip №3. Set specific and measurable goals

Avoid vague statements like "I want to develop." Write down which skills you want to master, what position level you aim to reach, and in what time frame. Ambiguous wishes rarely lead to concrete results.

Larger goals-such as "Become a senior manager within two years"-are best broken down into smaller steps with tracked progress. This not only helps you move systematically but also gives you a sense of control over your career path.

Tip №4. Develop new competencies, even outside your current role

Today's market values specialists who can flexibly switch between tasks. If you work in marketing, learn the basics of data analytics. If you're a programmer, pay attention to project management skills. This creates a "safety cushion" and makes you more valuable to employers. Moreover, new knowledge can open unexpected and exciting career paths. Having this "backup arsenal" makes it easier to change course when needed.

Tip №5. Maintain professional connections

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. The wider and stronger your network, the more information, ideas, and opportunities you receive. Attend industry events, join online communities, and participate in discussions. Don't be afraid to offer help and share useful resources-these gestures strengthen your reputation and make you more visible.

It's also important to maintain close professional ties with colleagues. For this, there's the "20% time rule," which suggests dedicating 20% of your work time to:

• helping other departments,

• participating in educational projects (for example, learning Figma basics if you're a finance professional),

• writing internal guides (for interns or newcomers).

Tip №6. Keep up with trends in your industry

Staying informed about developments in your professional field means being ready for change. New technologies, legislative updates, shifts in consumer behavior-all of these can impact your career. Read industry-specific media, listen to podcasts, and follow thought leaders. The sooner you spot changes, the easier it will be to adapt and take a winning position.

It's equally important to monitor the labor market, so periodically consult with colleagues from other companies or with employers about:

• which skills are most valued right now,

• what the ideal candidate for your (or the next) role looks like,

• which industry trends are currently dominant.

Tip №7. Don't be afraid to initiate change

If you feel like you're working on autopilot, don't wait for the situation to change by itself. Propose new projects to your management, take on tasks that seem challenging, and ask to expand your responsibilities.

For example, you can create a "difficult task checklist" and, once every month or two, choose a task that feels difficult for you-such as speaking at a conference, leading negotiations, writing an article, and so on. The specific challenge will depend on your situation. Simply put, learn to tackle more complex goals. Growth happens only outside your comfort zone, and this kind of checklist turns it into a necessity.

Bonus - Tip №8. Work on your personal brand

Your professional image is how you are perceived by colleagues, clients, and potential employers. To make it strong, share your expertise: speak at conferences, write expert articles, run a blog, or post case studies on social media. When people see you as a source of valuable information, it builds trust and increases the number of opportunities that come your way.

To understand how colleagues currently perceive you-and how you want that perception to change-consider finding out:

• Who mentions you in chats/reports (use the search function in corporate chats).

• Which phrases are used about you in recommendations (this is your "personal brand keyword").

• Which tasks you are most frequently delegated (this reveals your hidden expertise).

Career growth is not just about promotions and new job titles-it's about constant adaptation to market changes, developing new skills, and engaging in continuous learning.