Im in a career rut. How do I get out of it

Im in a career rut. How do I get out of it Im in a career rut. How do I get out of it?Posted December 18, 2013, by Jo Messer Im a financial analyst and good at my job, but I could do it with my eyes closed and frankly, Im bored and unmotivated. I feel like Im in a rut how do I get out of it? Adam, 38 Being in a rut isnt a good place to be, but at least youve taken the first step and thats recognising it. The next step is to work out why and then take the bull by the horns and do something about it. Investigate your options at your current workplace Start by talking to your manager and letting them know how you are feeling. Emphasise that its not the company thats the problem, its just that you need more of a challenge. Perhaps theres an opportunity to take on more responsibility, like taking the lead on a project or the option of a secondment. Maybe doing some professional development would help to reinvigorate you. Identify the root of the problem So youre bored in your job, bu t is it because being a financial analyst is not what you want to do? Or is financial analysis just boring? Is it time to look for new opportunities outside your organisation? Sometimes a change in work environment is all thats needed. Start checking out other financial analyst positions do they all sound like more of the same, and will you still be bored to tears? Or would changing environments be the impetus you need to get your mojo back? Is it time for a career change? If youre well and truly over your job, then now is the time to think about other options. Did you fall into this career and stay in it because you felt it was the safe option? Was there something else you wanted to do, but didnt feel you could? Ask yourself the following questions to get some clarity and help determine if a career change could be the answer to your problems What do I love about my job? What do I hate about my job? What skills do I use in my job? What skills do I want to use that I cant? What does job satisfaction mean to me? What is my ideal job? If youre really unsure about your career options then it would be a good idea to seek guidance from a career practitioner. The Career Development Association of Australia has a directory that will help you find a qualified career practitioner in your area. Further study Theres a vast array of courses out there, from short courses through to postgraduate study, and learning something new could be just what you need to get you fired back up again. Think about what new skills you could develop that could help you in your career or be of interest. Do you want to build on your existing skills or develop totally new ones? Taking on further study could get you feeling motivated again, as well as open up more doors and make you better qualified for a promotion. See the range of online courses available to find a course that suits your needs. Jo Messer is a Career Development Specialist who has many years of experience in supporting and gu iding students and graduates of some of Australias most respected universities, as well as mature-aged clients, across all facets of their career. She is a Professional Member of CDAA and an active member of NAGCAS. Whether you have a specific question about how to achieve your career goal or something more general, Jo is available to provide you with up-to-date advice. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesresignation letter career changecareer objective examples for law studentsmy jobs is making me miserablecareer objective psychologistwhy did you choose this career CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire zugnglich Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJo MesserRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCreative careersFemale entrepreneursMia Freedman - Writer and Website EntrepreneurI have always been passionate about creating tribes of women, communities of like-minded people.Work etiquetteHow To Say No To A Work Project Or Client An Email TemplateYour team has decided to say no to a big project or client, and its your job to send the Thanks but no thanks email. Lucky you We feel your pain but someones gotta do it. Heres a pre-written template to let them down gentlyHospitalityGlossary For A ChefIf you want to become a chef, one of the first things you will have to decide is what type of chef you want to be and what you want to call your specialty.