Have you ever felt lost in your career, unsure of your next step, or frustrated by the lack of guidance from your manager? You’re not alone.
Professionals across generations —from Gen Z to Baby Boomers —struggle with limited career support from their managers.
In fact, a survey by Intoo and Workplace Intelligence found that nearly 50% of Gen Z say ChatGPT gives them better career advice than their managers.
But this challenge isn’t exclusive to GenZ—it affects all generations, highlighting the importance of taking a self-driven approach to career development.
The career landscape is shifting, and with it, our ambitions and expectations.
We no longer want to stay stagnant in one place, sacrificing our time and happiness for workplaces that don’t align with our goals.
And that’s a good thing.
One of the biggest shifts in this age is the active pursuit of better work-life balance and work opportunities. Gone are the days when staying in one company for decades was the only path to success. Many of us are asking: Is there something better for me out there?
The reality is managerial support can be incredibly valuable but it’s not always available.
So, what can you do when the guidance you need isn’t coming from your employer?
Here are the steps you can take to take control of your career development today.
Remember that Everything Starts with You
Imagine two students, Alex and Sam, both aiming to get into a top university.
Alex has access to great teachers, tutoring programs, and mentorship, but he mostly follows what he’s told without taking much initiative. He completes assignments, but he rarely goes beyond what’s required.
Sam, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same level of guidance. There are no tutors or structured support systems, so he takes matters into his own hands — he researches scholarship opportunities, finds online study resources, and reaches out to students who have successfully taken the same path. Over time, Sam not only catches up but surpasses many of his peers, ultimately securing a place at his dream university.
The same principle applies to career growth.
Even without strong managerial support, you can take ownership by actively seeking opportunities, setting goals, and expanding your skills.
While external support can be valuable, your progress eventually depends on your own actions.
Clarify Your Current Career Needs
Getting started is often the hardest part, and the lack of managerial support doesn’t make it easier. But there are always steps you can take.
Start by clarifying your immediate career needs. I chose the word needs instead of goals on purpose, and here’s why.
Goals are often long-term and aspirational: I want to be a senior writer at a well-known publication. That’s a goal. Needs, however, are the actionable steps will help you move forward right now:
· I need to improve my writing portfolio
· I need mentorship to develop new skills.
· I need a role that offers more stability while I transition into a new field.
When you identify your needs, the next steps become clearer.
Whether it’s upskilling, networking, or gaining experience, focusing on your current priorities will set you on the right path.
Research and Get Practical
Answers might not always appear immediately, but research can open unexpected doors.
It’s like a chain reaction: when I begin writing an article, I often have only a vague idea in my mind. If I relied solely on that, I wouldn’t get far. That’s where the ‘Googling’ comes in. I look up related topics, read articles, and gather insights to expand my understanding.
The internet is one of the best places to start your research journey. Begin by researching available opportunities. This could mean finding mentorship, upskilling, or engaging in experiential learning programmes that can further your career development.
For instance, ELE Hub offers innovative experiential learning programmes that provide professional development, CPD certification, and practical skills to help advance your career. These programs let you explore different job roles within a team and develop essential skills for your career goals. You can register your interest in advance here: https://www.ele-hub.org/experiential-learning-programmes
This part of career development requires effort without immediate results, but every piece of information helps refine your direction.
Create a Supportive Network
While some may have a strong support network of family and friends, that’s not always the case for everyone.
No matter what your situation is, know that for every person who doesn’t share your passion for career development, there are hundreds who do.
In the digital age, you have the option to connect with like-minded individuals worldwide.
Start by growing your LinkedIn network — add people who inspire you, engage with insightful content, and explore opportunities that align with your career path. Join Facebook groups or online communities dedicated to career growth or connect with alumni from your university or colleagues from previous jobs.
And when you get scared of rejection, remember that just like you, there are countless people missing the right kind of support, hoping to connect with other inspiring minds.
Know that Progress Takes Time
If you’re missing the career support you need, know that it’s completely okay, and you are not alone.
Some things are outside of our control, but even if we don’t always start with the support we need, it doesn’t mean we can’t build it over time.
Like any progress, the steps you take today may feel small, but over time, they add up and bring you closer to where you dream to be.
Don’t wait for career support to come to you — start today.
Whether it’s researching opportunities, connecting with others, or taking a pause for reflection, every step forward matters.
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