By Bernard Kelvin Clive
Today, I want to begin a series under the theme Gifted but Gated in the context of career growth. Some years back,
I worked for a school, helping with technological advancements and supporting students. I did this for a number of years, but by my third year, I felt like this isn’t it. I needed to move on, to pursue something that was more aligned with my passions.
Well, sometime back, a colleague of mine, someone I went to university with, called me. During our conversation, we reflected on my career path and what I do now as a publishing consultant, author. etc.
She was in the exact situation I was in years ago—working in a school, doing what she could, but feeling stuck. She felt it was time to move on, but she wasn’t sure what steps to take. She was eager to leave but didn’t know how to transition.
I shared a few strategies with her, and as we ended the call, I realized how common this situation is. So many people find themselves trapped in career paths that don’t align with their passions or full potential.
I once saw a quote that said: If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will hire you to build theirs. Another version of this idea suggests that a job is the “opium” given to us to forget about our dreams. These words resonated deeply with me.
The Gate of Career Systems
Many of us are truly gifted, but we are gated—held back by systems. The first gate is the system itself, whether it’s an educational system or a career path that limits growth. The typical process for many is simple: complete university, do national service, look for a job, and then build from there. Because jobs are scarce, people tend to settle. The goal becomes job security rather than personal fulfilment.
This is how people end up taking whatever job is available, just to get a salary. They accept it because it allows them to put food on the table, compete socially, and say, I have a job. But in the process, they forget to be intentional about career growth.
Some organizations are structured in a way that makes it difficult to rise. The work may not be challenging, but the salary is enough to survive. Over time, people realize their potential is far greater than what they are doing, yet they remain stuck. If you find yourself in such an environment, it’s important to have an exit strategy.
Otherwise, you might stay for decades, only to look back and realize the years have passed, your passion has faded, and you’re no longer growing. Some people start with excitement, but by their third or fourth year, they begin to question everything. Others stay in the same system for 10 years or more, only to regret it later.
Recognizing When You’re Stuck
If you feel stuck in your career, ask yourself:
- How did I get here?
- Did I choose this path, or did it just happen?
- Was this job once fulfilling, but now I’ve outgrown it?
- Have I developed skills that I’m not utilizing?
- Is my salary capped, with no potential for growth?
These questions help you identify whether it’s time to move on. Many people feel restless because they know they can do more. They’ve built their skills and developed wings to fly, but their job keeps them grounded.
If you don’t take action, you might end up settling because of job security. Some workplaces offer certain benefits that make it hard to leave. But you must ask yourself if these perks are worth sacrificing your true potential.
The Path to Breaking Free
If you recognize that you’re in a gated career situation, here’s how to break free:
Start Planning Early
Don’t quit on impulse. If you want to move to the next level, you need a solid plan. If you’re considering starting a business or pursuing a side hustle, build it up while you’re still employed. Make sure it’s generating enough income to sustain you before you make the leap.
Save for Transition
One of the things I did before leaving my job was saving enough money to survive for six months to a year without a salary. This gave me the financial cushion I needed to focus on my next move without unnecessary stress.
Grow Your Side Hustle
If you have a side hustle, invest more time into it. Moonlight—work extra hours to develop it. Push it to a level where it can sustain you before you quit your full-time job. Many of my friends have done this successfully, and I followed the same approach.
Analyze the Data
Pay attention to the numbers. If your side hustle is growing steadily and bringing in consistent income, that’s a good sign that it may be time to transition. If the numbers are promising, then you can start thinking about making it your main source of income.
Seek a Better Opportunity
If entrepreneurship is not your goal, consider looking for a better job that offers more room for growth. Work on your CV, upgrade your skills, and start applying for positions that align better with your strengths and passions.
Invest in Continuous Learning
Sometimes, the key to breaking free is acquiring new skills. Taking an extra certification or furthering your education could position you for a better role. If you want to move up in your career, invest in knowledge that will make you more valuable.
Find Mentors and Advisors
One thing that helped me was speaking to people who had already been through what I was experiencing. My colleague reached out to me because she knew I had been in the same situation. You need mentors, coaches, or career advisors who can help you navigate your transition.
The Cost of Staying Stuck
Staying in a job that limits your growth does more harm than good. If your workplace does not challenge or excite you anymore, and you find yourself dragging your feet every morning, it’s time to reevaluate. If you’re not careful, you’ll wake up one day realizing that you spent years doing something that never truly fulfilled you.
A job should not feel like a prison. If it does, then it’s time to make a move. Staying in a place that does not harness your full potential will only lead to frustration and wasted talent.
Make the Move
Are you gifted but gated? Are you stuck in a system that is holding you back? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to start planning your way out.
Don’t let comfort keep you trapped. Think about the strategies I’ve shared, apply them to your situation, and take action. Go for it!
Let me know if this has been helpful. I wish you success in your chosen field. Rise up, break free, and don’t let anything gate your potential!
