Last updated on Apr 6, 2024

You're feeling stuck in your career. What's the best way to get back on track?

If you're an environmental engineer, you probably chose this field because you care about solving complex problems that affect the planet and society. But maybe you've hit a plateau in your career, where you feel bored, frustrated, or unfulfilled by your work. You're not alone. Many professionals experience burnout at some point in their careers, especially in demanding and competitive fields like environmental engineering. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to regain your passion, motivation, and growth potential. Here are some tips to help you get back on track.

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1 Assess your situation

The first step is to understand why you feel stuck and what you want to change. Are you unhappy with your current role, project, or employer? Do you lack the skills, resources, or support you need to advance or innovate? Do you have a clear vision of your career goals and how to achieve them? Take some time to reflect on these questions and write down your answers. Be honest and specific. This will help you identify the root causes of your dissatisfaction and the areas where you can improve.

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Jéssica Barreto

Sustentabilidade | Ambiental | Qualidade | SGI | ESG | ODS | Gestão | Projeto | Inovação
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Sentir-se preso na carreira é uma experiência comum que muitas pessoas enfrentam em algum momento de suas vidas profissionais. Acredito que independente da quantidade de experiência e de quantos anos tem na área... todo profissional repensa sua carreira motivado por alguma estagnação temporária ou alguma inquietação de buscar algo novo. Existe vários caminhos e escolhas a se fazer, mas antes de tudo é valido se questionar se a carreira está alinhada com o estilo de vida e condições pessoais que pretendemos ter a longo prazo.

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2 Seek feedback and guidance

The next step is to seek feedback and guidance from others who can help you grow and develop. This can include your manager, mentor, peers, clients, or industry experts. Ask them for honest and constructive feedback on your performance, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Listen to their perspectives and suggestions, and thank them for their input. You can also ask them for advice on how to overcome your challenges, learn new skills, or pursue new opportunities. They may have valuable insights or connections that can help you move forward.

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3 Explore your options

The third step is to explore your options and find out what possibilities are available for you. Depending on your situation, this can mean different things. For example, you may want to look for a new role, project, or employer that aligns with your interests, values, and goals. You may want to enroll in a course, certification, or degree program that can enhance your skills, knowledge, or credentials. You may want to join a professional network, association, or community that can offer you support, inspiration, or exposure. You may want to volunteer for a cause, initiative, or organization that can make a positive impact on the environment or society. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that excites you and challenges you.

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Lidiane Lima

Oceanographer | Hydrologist | Data Scientist | Researcher | Environmental Consultant | Environmental Modeling | Disaster Risk Reduction | 💡3x LinkedIn Community Top Voices
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Sentir-se estagnado na carreira é um desafio comum, mas superável com estratégias proativas. A busca por novos projetos, funções ou até mesmo campos de estudo pode ser o estímulo necessário para um crescimento significativo. A educação continuada, seja através de cursos, certificações ou até mesmo um novo diploma, pode expandir suas habilidades e abrir portas para novas áreas. Igualmente, o engajamento em redes profissionais oferece conexões valiosas e insights que podem orientar seu próximo passo. Cada escolha deve refletir um alinhamento com seus valores e aspirações, garantindo que a mudança não apenas traga novos desafios, mas também satisfação e realização pessoal.

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4 Take action

The fourth step is to take action and implement your plan. This is the most important and difficult step, as it requires you to step out of your comfort zone and face uncertainty and risk. But it's also the most rewarding step, as it can lead to new experiences, opportunities, and outcomes. To take action, you need to set realistic and measurable goals, break them down into manageable steps, and track your progress and results. You also need to be flexible and adaptable, as you may encounter obstacles, setbacks, or changes along the way. And you need to celebrate your achievements and learn from your mistakes, as they are both part of the learning process.

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5 Keep learning

The fifth step is to keep learning and stay curious. Environmental engineering is a dynamic and evolving field, where new technologies, trends, and issues emerge constantly. To stay relevant and competitive, you need to keep up with the latest developments and innovations, and constantly update your skills and knowledge. You can do this by reading books, articles, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters, attending webinars, workshops, conferences, or events, or taking online courses, tutorials, or quizzes. You can also learn by experimenting, collaborating, or mentoring, as these can expose you to different ideas, perspectives, and practices.

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Jay Joshi

Aspiring Project Management Professional | CAPM | Google Certified Project Manager
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For me it's a no brainer. Anytime I have felt stuck (not that I really have) I pick up a connected string of expertise in the field. Like when I was learning to write, I hit a threshold, where my style and reach plateaued. I tried diversifying it with some social media reuse and refurbishing. Then I ended up with a little bit of digital marketing and SEO. And along the way I picked up a few new genres - fictional writing.... So similar to that, after engineering, consulting is the next best thing to work towards. And maybe analysis, a little bit of research and so on... So... yeah. Keep exploring and learning about where you can go ahead from the point you reached the threshold.

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6 Reevaluate your career

The sixth and final step is to reevaluate your career and check if you're on the right track. This is not a one-time thing, but a continuous process that you should do periodically. You should ask yourself if you're happy, fulfilled, and challenged by your work, if you're making a positive difference in the environment and society, and if you're achieving your career goals and aspirations. You should also ask yourself if you're balancing your work and personal life, and taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you're satisfied with your answers, congratulations, you've successfully overcome your career slump. If not, don't worry, you can always go back to the previous steps and make adjustments as needed.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're feeling stuck in your career. What's the best way to get back on track?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Assess your situation

2 Seek feedback and guidance

3 Explore your options

4 Take action

5 Keep learning

6 Reevaluate your career

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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You're feeling stuck in your career. What's the best way to get back on track?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your situation

2 Seek feedback and guidance

3 Explore your options

4 Take action

5 Keep learning

6 Reevaluate your career

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

Rate this article

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