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​Are You in the Right Role? Strategies to Reignite Your Career from Leading Career Experts

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​Are You in the Right Role? Strategies to Reignite Your Career from Leading Career Experts

Feeling stuck or unsure about your career path? You’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point where they wonder if they’re truly in the right role. The good news? Recognising this uncertainty is the first step toward making meaningful progress. Drawing on insights from top career experts, here are actionable strategies to help you assess your current role and reignite your career.

1. Evaluate Your Career Alignment

Career coach Dr. Dawn Graham, author of Switchers, emphasises the importance of aligning your job with your long-term goals and values. If your role no longer fits your aspirations, it might be time to consider a change.

Ask Yourself:

  • Does this role align with my career goals?

  • Do I feel challenged and fulfilled by the work I do?

  • Is this job contributing to my growth, or am I simply going through the motions?

Actionable Tip:
Write down your top three career goals and assess how your current role supports them. If there’s a mismatch, start exploring opportunities that better align with your ambitions.

2. Seek Feedback from Trusted Mentors

Top career strategist Herminia Ibarra, author of Working Identity, advocates for leveraging your network to gain clarity on your professional trajectory. Feedback from mentors and colleagues can provide valuable perspectives on your strengths and potential.

Actionable Tip:
Schedule a one-on-one with a mentor or trusted colleague. Ask questions like:

  • What unique strengths do you see in my work?

  • What types of roles or industries might suit my skills and personality?

3. Analyze Your Engagement Levels

Gallup research shows that employee engagement is a key indicator of job satisfaction. If you feel disengaged, it might be time to reimagine your career. Career coach Barbara Sher suggests identifying moments when you’ve felt energised or passionate at work.

Ask Yourself:

  • When was the last time I felt excited about a project?

  • Do I find meaning in the work I’m doing?

  • What tasks or responsibilities drain my energy?

Actionable Tip:
Reflect on the aspects of your role that energise or deplete you. Seek opportunities to do more of what excites you and minimise tasks that don’t.

4. Build a Career Development Plan

Harvard Business Review contributor Whitney Johnson, author of Disrupt Yourself, highlights the importance of regularly reevaluating and planning your career. A structured plan helps you identify gaps, set goals, and track progress.

Actionable Tip:
Create a 3-year career plan that includes:

  • Skills you want to develop.

  • Roles you want to explore.

  • Milestones to achieve along the way.

5. Test the Waters with Stretch Assignments

Career expert Adam Grant suggests that taking on stretch assignments can reignite passion for your work and help you determine if you’re truly in the right role. These projects challenge you to grow while providing insights into what excites you.

Actionable Tip:
Volunteer for projects outside your usual scope of work. For example:

  • If you’re in finance, explore opportunities to contribute to strategy planning.

  • If you’re in marketing, offer to support a product launch.

6. Consider the Long-Term Fit

Leadership expert Simon Sinek advises thinking about your career in terms of the long game. A role that feels like a stepping stone today might be a critical part of your journey tomorrow.

Ask Yourself:

  • Does this role provide opportunities to develop skills I’ll need in the future?

  • Can this role open doors to roles I aspire to?

  • Am I building relationships that will support my long-term career?

Actionable Tip:
Identify how your current role contributes to your overall career narrative. If it’s not a fit, start planning your next move.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot

Career transitions can feel daunting, but Jenny Blake, author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, emphasises the importance of taking calculated risks to find a role that aligns with your aspirations.

Actionable Tip:
Start small. Take a course, network with professionals in a new field, or explore freelance opportunities to test your interest before making a major move.

Final Thoughts

The path to career fulfilment begins with honest self-reflection and a willingness to take action. Whether you need to adjust your current role or pursue a new one, these strategies from top experts can help you navigate your journey with clarity and confidence.

Remember: The right role isn’t just about a paycheck—it’s about finding a position where you can thrive, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Are you ready to ignite your career? Start by taking one small step today by contacting us:

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