“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.” – Carlton Fisk
There are moments in our career wherein we oftentimes feel stuck, apathetic, or just bored from all the things that we do. Being a seasoned and tenured individual in a certain industry can do that to you.
I was certainly not exempt from this feeling.
Frankly, all of us at one point or another have felt this way. We are humans, after all (even though some people have a hard time believing that about engineers).
When we are in this state, we seek a change and an improvement in some parts of our lives and career. To fight these feelings of apathy off, we can find new things that we can do, we can look for new challenges that we can take on, and we can broaden our expertise by exploring other tasks that are not in our current line of work.
As engineers, we are purpose-driven individuals. There’s always a need for us to look for initiatives to help our companies thrive and improve which gives us more responsibility and a variety of what we can work on.
So rather than just take what comes your way, be proactive and assertive in what you can do to overcome these feelings. Ask your leaders and colleagues for additional work that might help you to get more motivated and to fully utilize the strengths that you have. Besides that, seek to gain more experience and become an expert from doing so.
Last but not the least, have patience. If you have gone through a lot in your career, there are likely things that you wish had happened that may not yet be true. Our careers are a process. Rather than just focusing on the start and finish lines, learn to be patient and find joy in the journey. Measure backwards and notice the growth learning you have already experienced.
Still can’t fight these feelings off? Above all, take action. You can be assertive, and move through this and look for opportunities to learn and grow.
Need some help? Reach out to me and let’s talk. I’ll be happy to help you.
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