Even with a solid resume, many professionals feel they are not advancing. The problem may lie in lack of visibility, the right skills, and intentional action.
Being stuck in your career, even with a good track record, is more common than it seems.
“You feel you deliver results, have experience, but are not recognized. Meanwhile, others, seemingly less prepared, pass you by,” says Virgilio Marques dos Santos, co-founder of FM2S Education and Consulting, PhD from Unicamp and career manager.
Santos explains that what is lacking for those in this situation is not an unsolvable mystery. In most cases, it comes down to three main factors: visibility (making the right people notice your value), key skills (practical competencies that the market demands today, like communication, management, and strategic decision-making) and intentional action (stop waiting and start building the desired future). “The problem is that many professionals are afraid to take that step. It is more comfortable to blame the environment, the boss, or the tough market conditions. However, those who truly change understand that the power of transformation starts within themselves,” he analyzes.
According to Santos, work stagnation is usually related to conformism with the current situation and the belief that merely completing tasks is enough. “The market has changed. Today, just a diploma is not sufficient. The difference lies in showing the ability to solve problems, lead in uncertain scenarios, and create innovative solutions,” he says.
Check out five practical strategies recommended by Santos to unlock your career and pave new paths:
1. Reinvent your routine: propose new solutions to old problems. It can be something simple, but demonstrating initiative and attention to what needs to change;
2. Learn something new and applicable: courses that combine theory and practice, focusing on everyday tools such as leadership, agile methodologies, or team management tend to have an immediate impact;
3. Expand your network of contacts: talking to professionals outside your circle can reveal opportunities and bring new ideas. The key missing for your turning point may be with someone you have not yet met;
4. Show what you do: knowing how to communicate results is essential. “Reports, presentations, or even informal conversations are valuable moments to highlight your impact”, reinforces Santos;
5. Face discomfort: moving out of your comfort zone requires effort. It can be a change of area, tough feedback, or an unexpected challenge. But it is in this discomfort that growth happens.
For the manager, stagnation is a phase that requires analysis and strategic action. “The key to breaking the deadlock lies in the ability to reassess one’s own trajectory and take concrete steps to move forward, without expecting circumstances to change on their own. This can start today”, concludes.
