Why You Feel 'Stuck' at Work

It's easy to fall into a rut when you work in the corporate world. You may hold a position of great importance, but if it's repetitive and it requires that you work nine-to-five at a desk all day it's not surprising that you might lose your mind, just a little.

The beauty of the corporate environment is that it's designed to work like clockwork. Everyone has their place and their own duties. The hierarchy is established for a reason, even though many people will argue its validity. Your goal in the company is to work your way up and make the most of what you know and what you can do to contribute to the company's success. So what happens when you've reached the top? There's nowhere else to go but down - or out. The same thinking goes for the administrative assistant that holds no degree and minimal skills, but it's enough to complete their work effectively. What else can you do for the company when you know you don't have the knowledge or even the desire to learn more to advance? Everyone has their reasons for feeling "stuck", but what can you do about it?

If you're really loyal to your employer, but you don't want to answer phones and copy documents for the rest of your life, there's always the option of taking up classes to get a higher degree. Depending on your field of work, you might be able to take night classes or even courses online. There's no better way to open more doors than to seek a degree.

If going back to school isn't for you, and you feel that you need a change of pace, ask your employer what you might be able to do. You never know maybe they have additional responsibilities they need someone to take on that will get you going in another direction. You'd be surprised how often this happens, and how different you can feel.

The bottom line is that if you find yourself in a position where you no longer look forward to your work day, and you're constantly looking for excuses to change up your daily routine, you need to be proactive. Just thinking about the changes you want to make is the first step, but nothing is going to happen without action. Once you've considered your options and developed a game plan get to it. The only person who can truly control your happiness is you!