Sometimes taking charge of your career is like having a toothache

I discovered a dull pain in my mouth this week, debated about going to the dentist right away, but knew that something wasn't right and that waiting might only make things worse. So, I went to the dentist, was back the next day for a root canal (not totally pleasant), and am now recovering. It is a bit uncomfortable, but not nearly as painful as it would have been if I didn't seek professional attention.

If someone is in a job where they aren't really advancing, not learning new skills, I feel that they might have that dull ache that something isn't right, but aren't motivated to seek help or actively start looking for new opportunities until they are forced to do so (by downsizing, poor review, or the pain/frustration becomes unbearable). If someone is employed, spending time developing contacts, learning new skills, and reaching out to other professionals will keep them energized and engaged - and open to hearing about new and better opportunities.

If it appears that looking for a new job is inevitable, an employed person can start a targeted job search if they are prepared to devote 15 hours a week, enough to gain momentum and get some meetings. It is painful at first to get started, but a job search is manageable, and taking control of one's destiny is much more positive than waiting for career decay in a stagnant position.