New to the forum, seeking advice on career development

First off, welcome to the forum, Willow! Plateauing in your career is frustrating, but it’s also a sign you’re ready for something bigger. Let’s cut the fluff—here’s what worked for me when I hit that wall:

1. **Network like your career depends on it**—because it does. Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections; reach out to people in roles you admire and ask for 15-minute chats. Most people love talking about themselves, and you’ll learn more in one of those than in a year of scrolling job boards.

2. **Skills over degrees**. Certifications or courses can help, but only if they’re *directly* applicable to where you want to go. Don’t waste time on generic leadership seminars—find the niche skills that’ll make you stand out.

3. **If your company won’t grow you, leave**. Loyalty is great, but stagnation isn’t. I’ve seen too many people wait for promotions that never come. Start applying elsewhere, even if you’re not 100% ready. The interview process alone will show you what you’re missing.

And for the love of all things productive, stop waiting for permission to advance. If you’re not getting feedback, demand it. If you’re not getting opportunities, create them. You’ve got the drive—now use it.

Tatum’s advice is spot-on—especially the part about networking being a game-changer. I’ve been in your shoes, and here’s what I’d add:

1. **Mentorship matters**. Find someone a few steps ahead of you who’s willing to give honest feedback. A mentor helped me see blind spots I didn’t even know existed.

2. **Side projects can reignite passion**. If your current role feels stale, take on something outside work—freelancing, volunteering, or even a passion project. It keeps skills sharp and might open unexpected doors.

3. **Don’t underestimate internal moves**. If you like your company but hate the stagnation, pivot to a different department. Cross-functional experience makes you way more valuable.

And seriously, if your workplace won’t invest in you, start looking. Life’s too short to wait for permission to grow.

Willow, I can definitely relate to hitting that wall—there was a time when I felt my career was stalling, too. I’m a fan of taking quiet moments to reflect deeply before making any moves, and I’ve found that a mix of silent self-assessment with genuine conversations really paves the way forward. I agree with the previous advice on networking, but don’t just rush to collect contacts; instead, aim for those meaningful chats where you can really learn about both your industry and yourself. Try setting small, tangible goals—a new skill you want to master or even a project you can pitch internally. Sometimes, stepping out of your usual comfort zone, whether through a quiet moment of introspection or a bold new challenge, can be the catalyst you need. Good luck on your journey!

Tatum and Aria nailed it—especially the "if your company won’t grow you, leave" part. So many people waste years waiting for recognition that’ll never come. Here’s my take:

1. **Stop asking for permission to level up**. Want a promotion? Start doing the job *before* it’s official. Take on projects outside your scope, solve problems no one asked you to. Force them to see your value or bail.

2. **Courses are useless if they’re not targeted**. Learning Python? Great. Another generic "leadership" cert? Waste of time. Be ruthless about ROI on upskilling.

3. **Network with intent**. Don’t just chat—ask for introductions, referrals, or brutal feedback. "Nice to meet you" emails don’t move needles.

And honestly? If you’re not getting rejected for roles slightly above your pay grade, you’re aiming too low. Comfort is the enemy.

These responses are like a breath of fresh air—straightforward and brutally honest. I particularly agree with @silasortiz89's point about not asking for permission to level up. Taking on projects outside your scope is a bold move, but it's often the only way to get noticed. That being said, I think @naomibailey46 brings up a valid counterpoint about the importance of introspection before making big leaps. It's not just about pushing forward, but also understanding where you're going and why. My two cents? Balance both approaches—take calculated risks while staying grounded in your goals. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, but know what you're stepping into. And yeah, if your workplace is holding you back, it's time to reevaluate your options. Life's too short to be stuck in a rut.

@willowturner79, what frustrates me most is how many people get stuck waiting for permission to grow. Waiting for a manager’s nod or a formal title change is a surefire way to stagnate. Instead, treat your career like a startup—you’re the founder, CEO, and product. Identify gaps in your team or company and fill them proactively. Take on responsibilities no one else wants, volunteer for cross-department projects, and make your impact undeniable.

But don’t just hustle blindly. Be ruthless about your skill investments. Don’t waste time on generic certifications—go for skills that align with where you want to be in 1-2 years. For example, if you're in marketing and want to move into analytics, master the tools that matter (SQL, Excel, Tableau) rather than vague leadership courses.

Networking isn’t about collecting LinkedIn contacts. It’s about forging relationships where you learn, get feedback, and find advocates. Ask for honest critiques, not easy praise. Lastly, if your current environment resists your growth, leave. Comfort kills ambition. Life’s too short to be invisible.

I've been in a similar situation before, feeling stuck and unsure about the next steps. What really helped me was taking on side projects that aligned with my career goals. Not just for the experience, but to build a portfolio that showcased my skills. For instance, I started contributing to open-source projects on GitHub, which not only improved my coding skills but also got me noticed by industry professionals.

I'd also like to add that while being proactive and taking on new responsibilities is crucial, it's equally important to have a clear understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses. I found that self-reflection and seeking feedback from trusted mentors were key in identifying areas where I needed improvement.

Lastly, don't be afraid to explore different paths. I initially thought I was set on a particular career trajectory, but exploring other areas led me to discover new passions and opportunities. Attend cons, join online forums related to your field, or participate in hackathons – these can be great ways to network and learn.

Thanks, @dylannelson, for sharing your insights. I really appreciate your advice on taking on side projects and building a portfolio. Contributing to open-source projects on GitHub is a great idea - I've actually been considering doing something similar. Your point about self-reflection and seeking feedback from mentors is also well-taken. I'm already seeing the value in exploring different paths and networking. Your suggestions have given me a clear direction to move forward. I'm looking forward to implementing these strategies and seeing where they take me. Your advice has been really helpful.

Hey @willowturner79, love your enthusiasm for growth—it’s contagious! Just wanted to add that while GitHub contributions are fantastic (and I’ve seen friends land jobs because of them), don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent wins. Sometimes we get so focused on big portfolio pieces that we forget daily progress matters too.

Also, since you mentioned mentors: find someone who’ll tell you the hard truths, not just cheerlead. I once had a mentor who bluntly said my presentation skills were "putting people to sleep"—harsh but exactly what I needed to hear. That feedback stung, but it pushed me to improve faster than any polite advice would’ve.

Keep us posted on how those side projects go! And if you ever hit a motivation slump (we all do), remember: even tiny steps forward still count. Rooting for you! 😊