We all know about the challenges faced earlier in our career.

Lack of experience, finding an entry-level role and gaining credibility at work.

 

But what about our mid-careers. What challenges do we face during this career phase?

 

Today, I discuss the 4 obstacles to navigate in your mid-career.

 

Hello and a very warm welcome to Episode No 65 of ‘Your Bravo Career’

My name is Mark Crossfield, I’m a Professional Career Coach / helping you to love your job and build a great career.  

 

How you can enjoy what you are doing day each day at work

and how to build a great career along the way.

Introduction

 

Welcome everybody to Episode no 65

 

Today, I will discuss some of the obstacles you need to navigate in your mid-career. And I’ve got four of them for you.

 

And, as I mentioned, as you progress in your career and gain more experience, you are will encounter different types of obstacles compared to those at the start of your career. 

 

So, I’m going to talk about four common obstacles and challenges that you may encounter in your mid-career, and of course, I will tell you how to deal with these obstacles.

 

So, let’s get started …

 

The first obstacle is the lack of professional development. 

 

You might think that professional development isn't a priority for you, if you are in your mid-career. But let me tell you, this couldn't be further from the truth! 

 

With technology and industry standards constantly changing, it's essential to keep up-to-date and make professional development a key focus.

 

Think about it, it's all too easy to get left behind by gradual changes in your industry and suddenly find yourself at a career disadvantage. 

 

So, what can you do to avoid this? Firstly, set aside dedicated time each week or each month to focus on your professional development. This could be as simple as reading relevant articles or books, attending industry events, or taking online courses. 

 

By doing this regularly, you'll be able to make steady progress and stay on top of the latest trends and developments in your field.

 

Another great way to stay current is by seeking out mentorship opportunities. This could be through a formal mentorship programme at your workplace or by connecting with industry leaders and experts through professional organisations or networking events. 

 

By learning from experienced professionals in your field, you'll gain valuable insights and knowledge that you can apply to your own career.

 

And last but not least, why not join a relevant professional organisation? Not only will you have access to valuable resources and information, but you'll also be able to network with other professionals in your field and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

 

So, don't let this aspect of your mid-career be a stumbling block. Embrace professional development and see what happens. You might be surprised!

 

 

Mid-career networking is a vital part of professional development. 

 

It not only keeps you informed about the latest advancements and trends in your industry, as I have just discussed, but it also presents you with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional network. 

 

And you never know, these connections could lead to exciting new career opportunities down the line.

 

Networking allows you to engage in meaningful conversations with others in your field, and in doing so, you may pick up new skills, knowledge, and perspectives. 

 

And let's face it, who couldn't use a fresh perspective every now and then? A strong network of contacts can also provide you with the support, guidance, and mentorship you need to navigate your mid-career easily.

 

Staying relevant and informed is crucial in any industry, and the mid-career stage is no exception. 

 

So, if you're feeling like you're in a bit of a career rut, why not take the initiative to network? 

 

Make a plan to attend at least one networking event per month or set a goal to connect with one new professional each week. 

 

And don't forget about the benefits of online networking platforms like LinkedIn - it's a great way to build your network from the comfort of your own home.

 

So, start networking today, and watch as your career takes off.

 

Ok, so the

 

 

Staying in the same role for too long can be a bit of a career killer, don't you think? 

 

I mean, it's easy to get comfortable in your current role, but if you don't challenge yourself and take on new responsibilities, you may find your job less enjoyable and it’s also more difficult to advance in your career. 

 

For example, let's say you've been working as a project manager for 5 years and haven't taken on any new challenges, maybe you have been working on similar projects and in the same role.  Well, in this case, you might find it harder to move up to a higher-level position.

 

And, I know what you might be thinking - taking on new challenges can be scary. This fear of the unknown can hold us back from making a change. 

 

However, the reward for taking that leap of faith can be well worth it.

 

So, what can you do to overcome this obstacle? 

 

Well, start by making a plan to take on new challenges. Look for new projects or opportunities within your current organisation, like leading a cross-functional team or managing a larger budget. 

 

Or, consider taking on a new role within the company, like transitioning into a management role or learning a new skill set.

 

For instance, let's say you're a marketing professional and have been in the same role for a while. 

 

You could challenge yourself by taking on a new project, like launching a new product or managing a large-scale event. 

 

This not only allows you to take on new responsibilities and showcase your skills, but it also demonstrates your commitment to career advancement.

 

And if you're feeling really daring, why not consider starting your own business or taking on consulting work? This can be a great way to challenge yourself and gain valuable new experiences.

 

Remember, it's important to challenge yourself and not be afraid to take risks if you want to advance your career. So, go ahead and take that leap of faith - you won't regret it.

 

So, let’s move on to the final obstacle.

 

 

Having a professional online presence is increasingly important in today's job market, but many mid-career professionals may not be aware of how their online reputation can limit their career opportunities. 

 

Let's say you've had the same LinkedIn profile for a few years, and it hasn't been updated. 

 

This can make it harder for recruiters to find you or even create a negative impression if they come across your profile. 

 

And, we all know that one wrong post on social media can potentially harm your reputation and limit your job opportunities.

 

So, how can you overcome this obstacle? The solution is simple - create a plan to manage your online presence.

 

Firstly, be mindful of the content you post online. Ask yourself, "Would I feel comfortable sharing this with my boss or colleagues?" If the answer is no, it's best not to post it.

 

Next, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional. 

 

This means using a professional profile picture, writing a clear and concise summary that highlights your skills and experience, updating your education and certifications, and regularly engaging with your network.

 

And if you want to take it a step further, consider seeking professional branding or career coaching services. These services can help you build and maintain a positive online reputation by optimising your online profiles.

 

By putting in the effort to manage your online presence, you can make sure that you're making the best impression possible on potential employers and recruiters

So,

 

The first obstacle is lack of professional development, which is important for staying current with industry trends and developments. 

 

My suggestion here is to set aside dedicated time for professional development, seek out mentorship opportunities, and join relevant professional organisations. 

 

The second obstacle is the need for mid-career networking, which can help expand your professional network and open up new career opportunities. To overcome this obstacle, make a plan to attend networking events and use your online networking platforms. 

 

The third obstacle is not taking on new challenges, which can lead to stagnation in your career. 

 

Instead, my recommendation is to seek out new projects and opportunities. 

 

And finally,

 

The fourth obstacle is not managing your online presence, which is increasingly important in today's job market. 

 

If this is not something you can do on your own, seek out professional support to optimise your profile.

So, I hope all that is helpful.

 

Not sure, and still need help, email at mark@bravocoaching.co.uk and we can have a conversation.

 

By the way, you can find today’s show notes at bravocoaching.co.uk/podcast.

 

 

If you are interested in working with me, you can book a free discovery call on my website.

 

If you haven’t already subscribed, why not do that now. I’ve got a special guest on the next podcast who I’m excited to talk with. I think you will enjoy the conversation as well …

  

Have a wonderful week and I will speak to you again in a couple of weeks time.

 

Bye for now.