What do you do when you find that temporary job is now permanent? When you accepted that short-term contract a few years ago, you probably didn’t expect to still be at the same job today. What started as a stopgap has now become a permanent fixture, leaving you wondering: How did this happen, and what should I do next?
While it’s easy to fall into routine, staying in a role longer than planned can make you feel stuck or uncertain about your career trajectory. The good news? This extended stint doesn’t have to be a setback, it can be an opportunity for growth, reflection, and career development.
- Reflect on How You Got Here
Start by understanding why you’ve stayed longer than anticipated. Did the job exceed your expectations, or did life circumstances make changing difficult? Perhaps comfort, inertia, or fear of the unknown played a part.
Ask yourself:
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- What aspects of this role have kept me here, stability, work itself, or colleagues?
- Have I actively explored other opportunities? If not, why?
- How do I feel about my work now, content, or ready for something new?
Understanding your motivations will give clarity on whether staying is genuinely in your best interest.
- Re-Evaluate Your Career Goals
Your goals may have shifted since you first accepted the role. Take time to reassess:
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- Are your long-term aspirations the same, or have priorities changed?
- Does your current role align with your career trajectory, are you still growing, or has development plateaued?
- Have you discovered new interests or motivations during your tenure?
This reflection will help you decide whether to continue in your current role or explore new paths.
- Maximise the Opportunity
If you choose to stay, make the most of your position. Even unplanned longevity can offer significant growth:
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- Seek new challenges: Volunteer for projects outside your usual scope or ask how you can contribute more.
- Invest in professional development: Pursue courses, certifications, or training that strengthen your skills and marketability.
- Network internally: Build relationships across departments to gain new perspectives and uncover potential opportunities.
Maximising your current role ensures that your experience remains valuable for future career moves.
- Explore New Opportunities
Even if you’re staying put for now, keeping an eye on the market is wise:
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- Update your CV and profiles to reflect your growth and achievements.
- Network actively, attend events, connect with professionals, and stay informed about trends.
- Consider side projects like freelancing or consulting to expand your skills and passions.
Exploring options doesn’t mean leaving immediately; it keeps you prepared and open to possibilities.
- Make a Plan for the Future
Whether you stay or move on, having a plan gives direction and purpose:
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- Short-term goals (6-12 months): Identify steps you can take now to advance your career, in your current role or elsewhere.
- Long-term vision (3-5 years): Define where you want to be and the actions needed to get there.
A clear plan transforms uncertainty into a structured path toward growth.
What began as a temporary job can evolve into a meaningful and rewarding chapter of your career. By reflecting on your journey, reassessing goals, maximising your role, exploring options, and planning for the future, you can turn an unplanned permanence into a strategic career advantage.
