This might sting a bit: make sure you’re doing your part to develop your career. This is not a task where you can just sit back and hope things happen.

“The first step in addressing any career challenge is to take a closer look at your professional goals and evaluate your performance,” Oglethorphe tells Stylist. “Ask yourself if you have been proactive in expressing your aspirations and discussing your career with your employer. Reflect on whether you have consistently delivered high-quality work and contributed to the organisation’s success.

“It’s possible that your employer may not be aware of your career aspirations or the extent of your achievements. Before jumping to conclusions, consider initiating an open and honest conversation with your manager about your ambitions and performance. This conversation can be the first step in understanding any potential obstacles to your career growth.”

What to do if it feels like your workplace is blocking your career development