It’s a curious feeling.
You’re not burnt out. You’re not bored. But that restless buzz beneath the surface? It’s not nothing.
Your work gets done. You’re good at what you do. But you’ve stopped feeling challenged, inspired, or even mildly surprised. You check your emails, attend your meetings, complete your tasks… and somewhere between “it’s fine” and “it’s okay,” you start to wonder:
Is there more I could be doing, and am I the only one thinking this way?
The short answer is yes. And you’re not alone. A recent survey by ManpowerGroup revealed that 97% of Singaporeans consider finding meaning at work necessary, yet only 20% feel “very satisfied” with the level of purpose in their current roles.
The next question is, do you have to jump ship to level up? Not necessarily. Real growth can happen when you decide to go deeper, not elsewhere.
1. Reframe “plateau” as “potential energy”
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
The thing is, it’s easy to confuse stability with stagnation. But doing your job well, consistently, isn’t a sign you’re stuck — it’s a sign you’re solid. You’ve earned trust, built credibility, and nailed the basics. And that’s not the end of the road; in fact, it’s the perfect place to start pushing for more.
Picture this: You’re standing on a flat part of the trail. You’ve caught your breath. Ahead, the path inclines again. You smile — not because it’ll be easy, but because you know now you can handle it.
Try this quiz: Are You Experiencing a Mid-Career Plateau?
2. Audit your skills like you’re a hiring manager
You already know how to do your job. But which skills could make you exceptional, not just dependable? That’s where tools like CareersFinder by MyCareersFuture come in. It analyses your profile and suggests trending skills, potential next roles, and training that aligns with your strengths.
Think of it as your personal career growth GPS by surfacing roles and industries you may not have considered — ones that better match your current energy, skills, and goals.
Step 1: Go to CareersFinder and log in with your SingPass.
Step 2: Respond to the quiz questions.
Step 3: Receive recommendations for suitable occupations and job vacancies within each occupation.
Picture this: You open CareersFinder out of curiosity. Fifteen minutes later, you’ve discovered three upskilling courses and a job role you’ve never heard of… but now can’t stop thinking about.
3. Ask for more — before you decide to leave
Many of us wait for someone to tap us on the shoulder and say, “You’re ready.” But here’s the truth: Growth doesn’t always come with an invitation. If you feel ready, that’s your cue.
Set up a chat with your manager — not to ask for a promotion, but to start a conversation. Share your interest in taking on new challenges or expanding your scope.
Ask questions that show initiative and a desire to grow meaningfully within the team. For example:
- “Are there any upcoming projects where I could contribute or take the lead?”
- “What areas of the team’s work are under-resourced or need support?”
- “Are there any skills you think I should build to stay relevant or take on more responsibility?”
- “Is there someone I can shadow or collaborate with to broaden my exposure?”
- “What would it take for me to move to the next level in this role?”
The opportunities may already be there. You just have to raise your hand.
Picture this: Instead of treating your one-on-one conversations with your boss as a moment to ask for more, approach it as a chance to explore a win-win, where your growth aligns with the team’s goals and your manager’s priorities.
4. Become known for something (other than being reliable)
Being good at your job is excellent. But being known for a unique strength? That’s career magic.
Whether you’re calm in a crisis or the one who makes complex ideas make sense, lean into the skills that energise you — they’re often what others value and remember most.
Consider what you’re naturally drawn to, or what colleagues often turn to you for. It might be:
- Spotting blind spots: Catching what others overlook
- Streamlining processes: Fixing inefficiencies and making things flow
- Connector energy: Bringing the right people together
- Creative problem-solving: Offering fresh, unexpected solutions
- Storytelling with data: Making numbers easy to grasp
The more you lean into that strength, the more it becomes your professional signature — the thing that sets you apart and opens doors beyond your current role.
Picture this: Someone in the office says, “We need someone who can make sense of this and move it forward.” And without hesitation, your name comes up.
5. Mentor someone, even if you’re still learning
Mentoring isn’t about being flawless — it’s about showing up with honesty, insight, and a willingness to share what you’ve learned so far. You don’t need to have all the answers; just being present and supportive can make a meaningful impact.
And here’s the secret: Mentoring helps you grow, too.
As you guide someone else, you’ll often:
- Sharpen your thinking – by explaining what you know
- Reflect on your growth – and see how far you’ve come
- Spot your own gaps – and areas to improve
- Rediscover your spark – reconnect with what you enjoy
- Build leadership skills – through listening and guiding
In short, mentoring gives you fresh eyes on your role, strengths, and potential.
Picture this: Your mentee struggles with something you once found impossible. You guide them through it, and realise you’ve come a long way.
6. Stay curious. Stay in motion
Growth rarely feels like a thunderclap. It’s more often the small, consistent choices you make, such as reading industry news, saying yes to that new project, or attending that half-day workshop. Other ways you can grow include:
- Following industry trends and staying updated on what’s changing
- Taking on stretch projects to build confidence and new skills
- Joining short courses or webinars to upskill in bite-sized ways
- Attending networking events to connect with people and opportunities beyond your circle
- Speaking to a career coach – Polaris by Workforce Singapore offers support from a career coach in its personalised career guidance programme.
Don’t wait for boredom to become burnout. Keep stretching — gently and intentionally.
Picture this: You take a different route one morning — literally or metaphorically — that leads to a conversation, a class, or a collaboration that opens something unexpected.
Growth doesn’t always mean moving on
Sometimes, the most powerful career move isn’t about leaving. It’s about choosing to go deeper, better, fuller right where you are.
Picture this: You’re still in the same seat. But now, you’re steering with more clarity. You know where you want to go, and you’ve just taken your first step.
You’re not at a standstill — you’re at a stage where growth needs to be intentional. Recognising that is what gets real progress underway.
