Your career ladder is actually an escalator

That situation has happened to all of us—remember, even Steve Jobs and Sam Altman once got fired. The fact that you're recognizing the situation means that you can deal with it. You can focus your energy where it matters. You can change your circumstances and set your career up for success.

A new role, even a lateral move, can give you a fresh start... See more

the most strategic move is to find an environment with stronger tailwinds — one where your skills and contributions create more value, both for the company and for your career.

Two things can happen here: 1) you feel you deserve a promotion, but still haven't received it or 2) you're unable to understand what is needed to rise to the next level. As a first step, it's helpful to work with your manager to make your career aspirations clear and set expectations for what it will take to get that promotion. If you've given it ... See more

This state is typically achieved when your skill level perfectly matches the challenge of the task, creating a harmonious balance between the demands of the activity and your ability to perform it. Flow is often associated with peak performance and personal fulfillment and is considered a key component in both personal and professional development.

... See more

Most people think about their career as a ladder—one they climb rung-by-rung, entirely on their own. A better metaphor is to think of your career as an "escalator." Factors outside your own efforts can help carry you toward your goals—or work against you.

Career development feels much easier when you're working with the system. An escalator helps ca... See more