Clowns to the left of you, jokers to the right, here you are, stuck in middle management. It’s not the worst place to be in, compared to a lot of other roles. You make a decent salary, and you get to be in charge of other people. But you can’t help feeling like you can do something more. You want to get out of middle management, but looking at the roles above you, you’re not sure when or if that might happen.
Many of the older people in these more senior roles, who we might have expected to be retiring by now, aren’t willing to go anywhere. They’re comfortable where they are, but you’re not. So what should you do?
Improve Your Qualifications
You’ve likely got plenty of experience in your area of expertise. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to step into a more senior role. If you think you have some skills and knowledge gaps to fill in before you can take on more responsibility, you might want to consider going back to school. Don’t worry, though – you don’t have to physically start attending school again. An online MBA is a popular option with many in middle management who are looking to advance. It can teach you what you haven’t already picked up through your years of experience.
Switch Employers
Maybe you love your current job. Your employer has treated you well, and maybe there’s a chance of being in a more senior position sometime in the next ten years. But if you want to advance from middle management, you might have to accept that it’s time to go elsewhere. If you’re willing to explore, you could discover many more opportunities than you currently have. Look at the industries that are experiencing growth to find the openings that might interest you. Looking for overseas jobs is also a great idea, whether it’s for experience or to finally find that senior job.
Find a Mentor
You might decide to stay with your current employer, or you might find a new one. Whatever you think is best, finding a mentor to help you could work out. You might have plenty of knowledge and experience, but there could be a few ways you’re still unfamiliar with being a higher-up in a company. Someone with the right skills and knowledge can help you to understand how to make yourself a better prospect for promotion.
Start Your Own Business
Perhaps you feel like it’s time for you to go your own way. Starting a business certainly isn’t for everyone, and it’s not going to lead you to a comfortable raise in your salary. In fact, it could mean earning a lot less for a while. But you’ll be in charge, and you’ll get to spread your wings a little. Even if you ultimately decide to wrap up your business and go back to being an employee, the experience could look great on your resume.
If you feel stuck in a rut, you might need to look for opportunities elsewhere. Keep an open mind so you can do what you need to do to advance.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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