Introduction

Employment is a reliable way to lead a meaningful life. The concept of employment has evolved. In the past, employment meant a steady paycheck. However, with the advent of technology, employment has taken on new forms, and numerous sub-categories have been identified.

Long-term employment is like staying in the same home for too long.

In the 19th century, during the transition to the Industrial Revolution, having a steady paycheck meant a lot to most people. During this era, a person would take up employment at an organization and continue to work in the same or a similar area for the rest of their life. In the 20th century, these traits were considered stagnation or a lack of growth, primarily due to the rapid change in innovation and the significantly reduced shelf life of products.

Job security remains a high priority for employees, but employment takes different forms, such as contract, part-time, full-time, and conditional. There are many more permutations in the employment jargon.

Staying in the same job is similar to staying in the same house for a very long time, and there is no inherent good or bad about this choice or any judgment. The only question is whether you are conscious of your choice.

When we stay in the same house for a long time, we develop good relationships with the community, become comfortable with the environment, feel safe, and satisfy our basic human needs. On the other hand, we may accumulate so much stuff (unless we’re a minimalist) that we don’t need or use, let leaks develop, and settle for what we have. By comparing this to a house, this line may invoke negative feelings about this section since our house is also our home, where we have emotional bonds, good memories, and a shelter to which we are attached.

Now, I’d like you to wear a contrarian lens and see how staying in the same home is similar to staying in the same employment.

What happens when we stay in the same place without growth?

In nature, staying in the same place without growth is considered “death.” I once had a houseplant that stopped growing and remained in the same spot for about two years without producing new leaves or stems. I told myself that I would replace the plant if it didn’t grow any further, but before doing so, I decided to take extremely good care of it by feeding and nurturing it. I researched everything about the plant and its environment and applied that knowledge, ultimately saving it. By the way, I love nature and cherish that plant.

One day, it occurred to me: what am I doing with my career? Am I experiencing growth or staying in the same place as that plant? Many people claim to have 10 or 20 years of experience (I am one of them), but the question is: have I spent those years doing different things or the same thing as last year?

If your answer is the former, you fall into the growth category. If your answer is the latter, you fall into the stagnation category.

The key is to ask yourself the question: “Have I spent 10 years doing different things or the same thing?” You’re on the right path if your answer makes you feel good. However, if you feel uncomfortable and choose to avoid answering the question, you must ask it repeatedly until you find the right answer.

How To Get Out Of Stagnation with Long-Term Employment.

“We become what we consume,” whether food or content. If I eat a double cheeseburger daily, I’ll eventually start to look like one. It’s that simple. This principle can also be applied to personal growth. For example, when I was job hunting, I consumed content related to the job profile I was applying for. I consumed courses for breakfast and lunch and reflected on my learning for dinner. As a result, I quickly filled gaps in my knowledge and learned new skills.

I once received advice from a competitive high school student on how to stay motivated. She said, “Participating in a competition is the best way to get motivated.” Competition is a great internal motivator, so start with a simple competition and see how it changes you. Even if you fail, your mind may not accept defeat and will find ways to motivate and inspire you.

Joining a competition can also lead to better health, networking opportunities, and taking on new challenges.

Conclusion.

It’s no secret that long-term employment can become monotonous. After a while, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and feel like you’re not progressing. If you’re feeling stagnant in your long-term employment, feel free. You can do plenty of things to shake things up and get back on track.

Remember:

1. We are what we consume.
2. The best way to find motivation is by participating in a competition.
3. Start with positive self-talk.

Are you aware of the stagnation in your career and your choices?