Stuck in career rut....need advice

[jaya3300]

I'm am relatively new to these boards. I have lurked and posted a few times before the move from MSN. I'm in my mid 30's, have the education (bachelor and master in social work), experience, and credentials. I do get assigned projects and do get promoted but they tend to be small promotions. I get things done, I'm reliable, I'm consistent, I'm a team player, I make suggestions to improve operations, I don't complain and my bosses are happy to have me on their team, but it doesn't lead to big rewards for me. I've never been written up, I don't have any disciplinary issues, never been fired, have no conflicts with my coworkers. And I'm pretty sure that past employers will hire me again.

I think the issue is my personality. I'm an introvert. I'm friendly with my colleagues, managers, office staff, executive director but I'm not really friends with them. I don't socialize with them outside of work. And at my current place of employment, I've notice that colleagues that do get promoted to Managers and Supervisors socialize with each other (before the promotion and after the promotion).

I did have a session with a job coach once but I stopped going because I didn't like that she wasn't upfront about her fees.

Several years ago, I did approach a manager, that was leaving the agency, about what I could work on, but she became crazy busy and left before we had any discussions.

Any suggestions?

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

I guess my first questions would be, what are you looking for in your career? What do you feel you're missing out on? And what are your priorities in your work life?

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

What do you want to get out of your career? Once you know where you want to go then you can figure out what you need to do to get there.

If you want a promotion at your current place you are probably going to have to force yourself to become social. I'm introverted as well but I can step out of my comfort zone to schmooze when I need to.

If you need confidence doing that you might consider joining Toastmasters.

[Bob Ross]

The key is to be more like the guy on the left and less like the guy on the right.