Working with thousands of clients as a Career Coach, I have concluded that there are 3 Career States which are fairly evenly distributed. None of these career states is inherently good or bad, but what makes the real difference is whether you are in control or able to determine your own future.
The 3 Career States are what I can only describe as 'moving forward', 'moving backward' or 'standing still' and most people will recognize which state applies to their job or career today.
Of course, whether you're moving forward, moving backward or standing still with your career doesn't actually matter if you are happy with that condition. Moving forward sounds like a positive situation, but isn't necessarily so whilst moving backward or even standing still sounds a little negative. Again that isn't necessarily so we need to consider who is in control.
Moving Forward
Of the 3 Career States this sounds the best and most desirable state to be in, one that most people would aspire to. But think about this: if you're being pushed further and faster by your employer than you feel able to cope with, is that good?
Moving forward at your own pre-determined rate, towards a goal of your choosing is a more satisfying and fulfilling condition so managing your own career progress is much more positive than your career being channeled only to suit your employer's needs.
Moving Backward
The obvious thought when you hear of someone's career going backwards is that they are failing or on the way out. I measure a backward moving career against the peer group and if they are moving forward, being promoted and you are not, or you are being passed over for promotion, then you are in the moving backward career group and need to act to take control before it becomes too late.
Of course, some people are approaching retirement and wanting to take things easier which looks like moving backward, but for the right reason and others are consciously 'downshifting' for a less pressured or more relaxing way of life. The difference here is that when the decision is your own, then moving backward with your career can be a very positive move for you and your family.
Standing Still
This is the area which people who are 'happy with their lot' occupy. For example the salesman who thoroughly enjoys the interaction with customers and although seen as capable of becoming a sales manager, rejects the idea of moving away from front-line customer contact to managing others who do.
This is different from the individual who is held back by their employer because they are seen as being too valuable in their particular role, which may eventually become stressful to the person concerned.
It's also different from the employee who has hit a career 'plateau' and become stuck doing one job. This candidate is often the first name that arises when downsizing looms.
So these 3 Career States are neither good or bad, that difference being determined by whether the individuals are in control of their own career paths; not being in control is something that can be stressful yet can be changed given the right information and a little determination. Whichever state your career is in, if you are not happy with it's direction, you must decide to take control.
Get help with asserting your employability, there are many Career Blueprints available which teach you how to redefine your own value and sell your unique skills either afresh to your current employer or to start over with a new career.
Peter Fisher is Coach and Webmaster for www.Your-Career-Change.com where you can download your free Special Career Change Report and 63 page PDF e-book "Big Book of Job Hunting Tips".
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