Crystal's Notes 22 Mar

One of the most common questions I get in my AMAs is: What do I do if I feel stagnant in my role, but I don’t have the skills to switch jobs?

It’s easy to feel trapped when you don’t see an obvious next step. But career pivots don’t always require quitting.

1. Expand Beyond Your Role

• Volunteer for projects outside your usual scope.

• Join company-wide initiatives like cross-functional task forces, training programmes, or work groups. These expose you to different teams and new skill sets.

2. Upgrade Your Skills

• Take courses to strengthen skills that can open new doors.

• Identify emerging trends in your industry and start upskilling accordingly.

If your company needs some persuasion before they allow you to attend training courses, link to recent pain points in your organisation relating to people issues. Every time someone leaves, it costs 6 - 10 months of their salary in direct and indirect costs to the firm. Learning leadership skills is vital to keeping people invested, and also important for learning and growth.

3. Build Strategic Relationships

• Find a mentor within or outside your company who has the role you want and network intentionally.

4. Have a Career Conversation with Your Manager

• Ask for support in developing new skills, taking on different tasks, or working on a cross-functional project.

• Frame it as an investment in your growth that also benefits the company!

You don’t need to wait until you’re unhappy to take action. Small, strategic moves compound over time, and before you know it, you’ll be in a stronger position for your next step, be it a promotion, a lateral move, or an entirely new role.

If you’re looking for more structured guidance on career growth, influence, and getting ahead at work, join the waitlist for my upcoming course on career visibility and influence!

Much love

Crystal