The excitement that comes with applying for a job and acquiring it is unexplainable. But, regardless of how much you’re paid, if it gets so comfortable and you’re not learning new skills or tasks, you may be confused on whether to stay or try your luck somewhere else. There is nothing as boring and demotivating as not learning anything new at work. To some people, this happens after spending quite some time at their job, while others; failure to access career training keeps them stagnant. When some employees are not challenged, they may fail to find purpose and fulfilment in what they do. Companies that assist and allow their workers to grow enable positive work environments. Growth can result in better salary pay, new skills, scooping leadership positions, rewarding challenges, more opportunities and so forth. What happens if you find yourself in a situation of no growth? Jean Pierre Gahigi, a communication specialist, says that you ought to build great professional networks in your field, find time to meet people outside work and discuss areas of weaknesses that require to be improved. That way, you will be trained or advised on how to go about diverse issues and learn something new, especially from the people who have been in your field for quite long. He notes that it’s good to broaden your networks from your usual circles, if possible, take part in workshops and seminars to learn a new skill or two. Lessons can also be drawn from other professionals’ career journeys. “If you don’t push yourself or invest your time, and resources to learn, you will probably not learn. People who want to learn show the need to and seek means to add to their knowledge,” he says. Gahigi explains that let your manager or immediate supervisor know your career goal, and be available to volunteer or take on new tasks willingly. Although it may seem like you’re benefiting the company, in the long run, the skills learned will be useful in your career journey and opportunities may arise for you in the same company or elsewhere, he adds. “Knowing that your boss can count on you anytime, gives you the chance to learn more, which is why as an employee, it’s advisable to show the need to fill any gap, and be useful to the company,” he states. He carries on that whenever you see where you can exercise your skills, ask for the opportunity to take part and let your supervisor know that you value the growth of the company as well but not only your personal growth. According to Joyce Uwamahoro, the CEO of ‘Joyce Fashion house’, employees should invest in their education. It doesn’t matter whether you hold a bachelor’s degree, or more qualifications, as long as you know your goals, pursue courses that are within the line of the job position you wish to pursue. This will prepare you for that job or promotion. She explains that you shouldn’t undermine the power of teamwork as joint efforts can assist in learning from one another. It may also result in new opportunities. Uwamahoro stresses to list your weaknesses and strengths down, as this will assist you to assess yourself in areas that need improvement, although it requires you to be patient with yourself as the process may take quite some time. She says to ask some of your colleagues to hold you accountable and set a plan on when you actually want to be better. Without a plan, it’s hard to keep track of the whole process, which may be easy to lose focus. Allow your co-workers to give you feedback on your performance.
