economy
Nearly 1 in 4 white-collar workers is stuck in a mid-career stall, new research finds
Almost one in four white-collar workers is experiencing a hidden professional crisis: a "mid-career stall," defined as at least five years without a promotion or meaningful raise, new research shows.
TL;DR
- Nearly 24.2% of mid-career white-collar workers are experiencing a "mid-career stall" (5+ years without promotion/raise).
- This stall leads to tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages and missed benefits like retirement security.
- Workers miss out on valuable project and leadership experience, hindering future career growth.
- Structural labor market issues, including flatter organizations and fewer job-switching opportunities, contribute to stalls.
- Stall rates vary by industry, with public administration having the highest rate (30.2%) and information technology the lowest (20.7%).
- Workers are advised to acquire skills like presentation, communication, and leadership to pivot out of stalls.
- Employers also face consequences, missing out on more effective talent utilization.