Breaking the Cycle of an Unfulfilled Career
FREE to IEEE Members
Non-Members: $2.99
In his new IEEE-USA E-Book, Breaking the Cycle of An Unfulfilled Career, Dr. Robert Danielle gives rich, compelling examples of talented, hardworking employees not progressing at their companies. He also offers insights and advice on how to get a career back on track. Further, Danielle sheds light on why careers may stagnate or falter, but throughout, holds an optimistic perspective, at one point writing, “I’ve always believed that you — the captain of your career ship — hold the compass to navigate choppy waters. Even when it feels like you’re sinking deeper into the abyss, there’s always a way back to calmer seas.”
Danielle’s numerous and varied real-life examples are a jumping-off point for him to drive home lessons, offer “food for thought,” or put forward lists of actions the reader can take. The stories also make compelling, if at times, cringeworthy reading.
The chapter on “HR Isn’t (Always) Your Friend” starts with some eye-opening statistics:
- Up to 75 percent of respondents doubt HR leaders care about employees
- Nearly 40 percent believe HR prioritizes the organization over people
- Less than 10 percent think HR would go to bat for them
- Nearly half fear retaliation for speaking up
The author believes that, yes, you should use HR to help propel your career, but don’t rely on their help alone — or your manager’s help. Danielle notes, “Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed numerous talented individuals being overlooked or stuck in stagnant careers, because they expected those above them to recognize their value — without having to advocate for themselves.”
Danielle strongly advocates for making your own case for your accomplishments (establishing your own brand), and for developing allies (not just friends) throughout the organization. He stresses that “humility, though valuable in moderation, can become overrated, if taken too far.”
The author points out that post-pandemic, organic opportunities for developing allies are limited (no water cooler friendships), but “cultivating meaningful connections and alliances in the virtual workplace” is still important.
Later in the e-book, Danielle warns about the “Curse of Competency” — when doing your job well results in you being given more work. Such tasks might include work that does not align with your job duties, or that you are not adequately rewarded for (doing work above your pay grade). He discussed the possible negative results of the Curse of Competency: managers setting unrealistic expectations (minor mistakes are given greater importance because you always deliver); pigeonholing the types of assignments you are given; the jealousy and resentment of co-workers (who may try to undercut you); and, being given limited growth opportunities.
If you relate to this curse, don’t get depressed: Danielle discusses concrete actions to combat it:
- Embark on a journey to showcase your worth
- Rise above the chaos and become the unsung hero of your team
- Say “No” to help define yourself
- Seek mentorship and support
- Rewrite the story of your career
- “Always Be Looking” for new career opportunities
Danielle also encourages the reader to invest in skills and adaptability, embrace change, and be ready to seize opportunities, noting, “In today’s fast-paced world, opportunities don’t linger — they vanish swiftly.”
The author also discusses ways to be prepared, so you can take advantage of options when they arise or, as he titles it, “Seizing Opportunities with Urgency.” He suggests:
- Regularly assessing and updating your skills, experiences and knowledge
- Keeping your ultimate goals in sight — don’t get sidetracked
- Trusting your instincts
- Believing in your potential; and gathering others who believe in you, too
- Paying it forward — helping others often leads to additional new opportunities
Breaking the Cycle of An Unfulfilled Career is full of helpful nuggets that this article just begins to touch on. It is available to all IEEE members free at IEEE-USA’s online shop; or for $2.99 for non-members.
If you enjoy this e-book, check out Dr. Danielle’s other IEEE-USA e-books, all available at the IEEE-USA Shop:
- Career Transitioning 101 – Book 1: First Steps
- Career Transitioning 101 – Book 2: When Opportunity Knocks
- Career Transitioning 101 – Book 3: As if Age Matters
- Career Transitioning 101 – Book 4: Tell Me About Yourself (Building Your Brand)
Dr. Robert Danielle is an expert in the areas of organizational behavior, leadership development and career transitioning. Currently, he serves as Manager, MSP Learning Solutions for Amazon’s Global Robotics division, leveraging his expertise to drive the development of programs to increase employee safety, productivity and engagement. In the past he held strategic roles in the media, technology, government/military and higher education. Dr. Danielle’s work has focused on professional/career development, leading large successful change initiatives, and improving individual/team performance. He holds a doctorate in Higher Education and Organization Change; an MS degree in Information Systems Management; and a BA in Leadership. He is a certified Performance, Life and Career Coach.
