Many women experience a mid-career plateau, a phase where professional growth seems to stall despite years of experience. It can feel frustrating and demotivating, leaving many to question their career choices and prospects.
Career stagnation can affect anyone. But women often face unique challenges, such as gender biases, lack of sponsorship, and work-life balance struggles.
However, overcoming a career plateau is entirely possible with the right mindset and strategies. By reassessing goals, upskilling, networking, and advocating for themselves, women can break through stagnation and continue to advance.
This article explores practical steps to help women overcome career plateaus and achieve long-term growth.
Why Do Women Experience Career Plateaus?
Women often encounter unique challenges that contribute to mid-career stagnation. One such issue is workplace bias.
Unconscious biases within organizations can limit women’s opportunities for leadership roles. According to a report by McKinsey, women are significantly less likely than men to receive their first promotion to a managerial position.
For women of color, this problem is considerably more prevalent. They hold only 7% of C-suite positions, with just a four-percentage-point increase since 2017.
For many women, balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities and caregiving duties remains a significant challenge. World Economic Forum reports that globally, 50% of women with partners and children report shouldering the majority of childcare responsibilities.
In stark contrast, only 12% say their partners take on this role. These figures highlight the persistent imbalance in domestic responsibilities, often leading to career interruptions for women.
Additionally, skill stagnation is another issue. Without ongoing skill development, women risk falling behind in industry trends. This makes it more difficult to compete for leadership positions and advance in their careers. It also limits women’s ability to negotiate higher salaries, secure promotions, build expertise, expand networks, and increase visibility in their fields.
Strategies to Overcome Mid-Career Plateaus
Strategies women can use to overcome mid-career plateaus include:
Self-Reflection and Career Assessment
Before making any significant career changes, it’s essential to take a step back and thoroughly assess where you stand. Start by reflecting on your professional goals. What do you ultimately want to achieve in your career?
Consider whether your current role aligns with these aspirations or if it’s holding you back. Think about your day-to-day responsibilities and workplace environment. Are you genuinely happy and fulfilled, or do you feel stagnant and unmotivated?
Next, evaluate the skills and experiences you possess and identify any gaps that might be preventing you from moving forward. Are there technical skills, certifications, or leadership qualities that you need to develop to reach your next career milestone?
This process of introspection and self-assessment is often referred to as a career audit. It is crucial for gaining clarity on where you are now and where you want to go.
Upskilling and Continuous Learning
One of the most effective ways to overcome a mid-career plateau is by investing in further education. Pursuing degrees such as a doctor of education in organizational change and leadership can be a transformative step for women. This holds true especially for those aiming to advance into leadership roles.
According to Rockhurst University, this two-year online degree equips professionals with research skills and a systems-thinking approach. It enables them to contribute to solving critical issues in their industries. Additionally, the course provides the confidence and expertise needed to become an influential voice and inspire meaningful change.
Attending workshops, conferences, and industry events is another excellent way to stay updated on emerging trends while building connections within your field. Beyond technical knowledge, prioritize developing soft skills such as leadership, communication, negotiation, and emotional intelligence. These qualities are critical for higher-level roles.
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Seeking Mentorship and Sponsorship
Having the right mentor or sponsor can be a game-changer for your career, providing the support and advocacy needed to overcome barriers and advance. Mentors offer guidance, career advice, and valuable insights based on their own experiences. For those seeking a mentor, it’s important to be strategic.
For those seeking a mentor, an expert advises being strategic. She pointed out that the most successful individuals, particularly men, are often deliberate about building relationships with mentors and sponsors. Additionally, she notes that men make a point of showing up at the right time and engaging with the right people. Similarly, women should do the same.
Jha highlights the value of enthusiasm, encouraging women to approach mentors with energy and passion while keeping them updated on their progress. Rather than simply seeking guidance, she suggests demonstrating tangible progress to show that you are actively advancing.
In addition to mentors, sponsors play a critical role in career advancement. Unlike mentors, who provide guidance, sponsors actively advocate for you, leveraging their influence to help you secure promotions, key projects, and new opportunities.
Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling
The glass ceiling represents the invisible yet formidable barriers that prevent women from reaching top executive roles. A study published in Taylor & Francis reveals that societal expectations and gender biases frequently cast doubt on women’s leadership abilities.
As a result, they are often relegated to less visible or less strategic roles. These stereotypes can create systemic obstacles, limiting women’s access to critical opportunities for advancement.
A fair and equitable workplace is essential for dismantling such barriers. Women looking to advance in leadership can take proactive steps to drive their career growth:
- Cultivate Executive Presence: Strong leadership requires confidence, strategic thinking, and decisive action. Develop these skills to establish credibility and stand out in leadership roles.
- Build a Powerful Network: Career progression often depends on internal recommendations and leadership visibility. Actively engage in professional communities, leadership forums, and industry groups to expand your influence.
- Advocate for Yourself: Recognition doesn’t always come automatically. Take charge of your career by pursuing promotions, voicing your ambitions, and showcasing your achievements. Self-advocacy is a critical tool in overcoming workplace barriers.
FAQs
1. What industries or career paths offer better growth opportunities for women?
A: Every industry offers opportunities. However, fields like technology, finance, healthcare, and entrepreneurship have shown increasing support for women’s leadership and career advancement. Companies in these sectors are investing more in diversity and inclusion, mentorship programs, and leadership training to help women advance in their careers.
2. Should women consider changing careers if they feel stuck?
A: If you consistently lack growth opportunities, it may be time to explore a career pivot, or switch companies. Identifying transferable skills, continuing education, and networking can make the transition smoother. A change doesn’t always mean switching industries. It could be about finding a role that offers better advancement opportunities.
3. How do I know if I’m experiencing a mid-career plateau?
A: If you feel unchallenged, lack motivation, or haven’t advanced in your role for a long time, you might be experiencing a mid-career plateau. Other signs include a lack of learning opportunities, feeling disengaged, or being overlooked for promotions. Recognizing such indicators early on can allow you to take proactive steps.
To overcome mid-career plateaus, women must adopt a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and self-advocacy. You can break through barriers and redefine your career trajectory by continuously investing in your growth and leveraging the power of mentorship and networking.
While systemic challenges persist, every step taken to upskill, reflect, and advocate advances individual careers. It also contributes to reshaping workplace dynamics for future generations.
The journey may be challenging. However, with determination and strategic action, women can transform career stagnation into a stepping stone for meaningful and lasting success.
