Have you ever felt stuck in your corporate career? That nagging sense that something’s off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? When I faced this challenge, I initially thought I needed to overhaul everything—start fresh, take a drastic leap. Maybe you’ve been there too.
But after much introspection, I discovered a profound truth: It wasn’t me that was broken. It was the foundation I was standing on. Like a house, a successful career relies on a solid foundation. If even one part of that foundation is shaky, everything else feels unstable.
Through this journey, I identified five key pillars that every career rests upon. If you feel stuck, it’s not about tearing everything down; it’s about finding which pillar needs reinforcement.
The Five Career Pillars
1. Credibility: Are You Being Taken Seriously?
Credibility is the cornerstone of trust and respect in the workplace. If your expertise and skills aren’t recognized, it can hinder your ability to grow. Building credibility means consistently showcasing your knowledge and delivering results that matter.
Action Step: Strengthen this pillar by demonstrating your expertise. Share your knowledge through presentations, obtain relevant certifications, and focus on being dependable in your work.
2. Visibility: Do People Know What You Deliver?
You might be doing exceptional work, but if no one knows about it, you’re essentially invisible. Visibility ensures that your contributions are recognized and valued.
Action Step: Proactively communicate your achievements. Share updates in meetings, volunteer for high-impact projects, and leverage networking opportunities to highlight your work.
3. Profitability: Are Your Skills Earning What You Deserve?
Profitability isn’t just about salary—it’s about feeling that your skills are appropriately valued. If you’re under-earning or undervalued, it’s time to renegotiate or upskill.
Action Step: Assess your financial goals and compare your earnings to industry standards. If there’s a gap, have a conversation about compensation or pursue training to enhance your marketability.
4. Agility: Can You Pivot Quickly?
The modern workplace demands adaptability. Whether it’s embracing new technologies or navigating unexpected challenges, agility is the ability to pivot and thrive.
Action Step: Develop resilience by learning to embrace change. Stay open to new roles, technologies, and methodologies that can enhance your career trajectory.
5. Curiosity: Are You Still Hungry to Learn?
Curiosity fuels growth. Without it, we stagnate and lose the drive to innovate. Staying curious allows you to explore new opportunities and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.
Action Step: Dedicate time to learning. Enroll in courses, attend industry events, and dive into topics that spark your interest. Growth begins with the desire to explore.
Identifying the Cracks
When I evaluated my own pillars, I discovered that curiosity was my weak link. I had stopped learning and exploring, which left me feeling uninspired. By focusing on rebuilding that pillar, I reignited my passion and found new opportunities to grow.
For you, the shaky pillar might be different. Perhaps you’re not being seen for the value you bring, or maybe your skills aren’t earning you the compensation you deserve. The first step is identifying where the imbalance lies.
Rebuilding Your Foundation
Here’s a simple framework to steady your career foundation:
- Assess Your Pillars: Reflect on the five pillars—credibility, visibility, profitability, agility, and curiosity. Which one feels unsteady?
- Focus Your Efforts: Choose one actionable step to address the weakest pillar. Small, consistent actions can make a big impact over time.
- Reassess Regularly: Like any structure, your foundation requires maintenance. Periodically check in with yourself to ensure your career remains balanced and robust.
The Path Forward
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you need to start over. Instead, it’s an opportunity to inspect the foundation of your career and make targeted improvements. By addressing the shaky pillars, you’ll create a stronger, steadier base for long-term success.
Which pillar feels unsteady for you right now? For me, it was curiosity—but once I addressed it, the rest of my career began to align. What about you? Start with one pillar, focus your energy, and watch as your career foundation transforms.
