Feeling Stuck in Your Software Testing Career? Here’s How to Break Free 🚀
Sometimes in your career, especially in software testing, you feel like you’re in a rut. It happens to the best of us—whether you’re a manual tester or an automation tester deep into test automation
You start to wonder, “Am I doing the same thing over and over again? How can I elevate myself? How can I earn a higher salary or land better opportunities?” 🤔
Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’ve felt stuck several times throughout my 20+ year career. Feeling clueless, I wondered why I was even doing my job. Working on weekends, handling projects that didn’t seem fulfilling… the monotony was real. So if you find yourself in a similar position, this blog is for you. Let’s talk about how I overcame these challenges and what you can do to get unstuck! 🚀
https://youtu.be/BQ0pqiuNsXU?si=lmLO3NbZ2Izx34ZI
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2. Keep Learning, Always! 📚
When you feel stuck, the fastest way out is to learn something new. 🔑
In my case, for example, we recently switched from Bitbucket to GitLab, which was more focused on DevOps and CI/CD pipelines. That was new to me, so I dove in and learned it. I wasn’t perfect right away, but adding new skills to my resume made a huge difference in my career trajectory.
You don’t need to be an expert in everything, but knowing the basics and being able to implement them will give you an edge. Whether it’s learning new tools like GitLab, understanding Docker, or mastering a new programming language, learning keeps you relevant and excited about your work.
3. Network Like a Pro 🤝
Networking has been a game-changer for me in the last few years. 🌟
When I first started creating videos and blogs, I reached out to several YouTube creators in the testing community. People like Love Babbar, Aman Dhattarwal, and Nisha Shah inspired me, and networking with them gave me new ideas. It’s all about collaboration and learning from others.
Networking doesn’t stop with YouTubers—attend events, join online forums, participate in LinkedIn discussions. I’ve connected with industry leaders at meetups organized by Naveen Automation Labs, Mukesh Otwani, and Sundar. These connections have opened up so many opportunities for me.
Pro Tip: Never underestimate the power of a good network! You never know when that librarian you connected with might help you double your salary in a new job! 💼
4. Certifications and Skills: Keep Growing 💡
Yes, certifications can be helpful, but they aren’t everything. What truly matters is real skills.
Whether you get certified or not, make sure you’re adding value to your portfolio. Learn tools, frameworks, and techniques that are in demand, such as API testing, CI/CD tools, and automation frameworks. The more you know, the more opportunities will open up for you.
Don’t let anyone tell you that certifications are a waste of time. If they help you learn new skills, then go for it! 🎓
5. Mentor Others—It Helps YOU Too! 🌱
If you’ve been in the software testing industry for seven years or more, it’s time to give back. Start mentoring others! 🎓
Mentorship is not only fulfilling, but it also helps you stay motivated and inspired. You can mentor through YouTube, blogs, GitHub repositories, or LinkedIn posts. Remember Sundar, who started with Grow Path and then moved on to create SelectorsHub? His journey was all about identifying problems and creating solutions.
When you teach others, you reinforce your own knowledge and bring fresh energy to your career. 🏆
6. Find Your Own Mentor 👥
While mentoring others is essential, you also need a mentor yourself. They don’t have to be in your industry, but they should be someone you look up to.
For example, I follow Gary Vaynerchuk and Tanya Rob for business advice. They help me think bigger when it comes to growing my own ventures. My mentor in the tech industry is Ravi Kumar, who always gives me fresh perspectives.
Mentorship is a two-way street. Keep learning from those who inspire you, and it will help you overcome the monotony and challenges of your career. 🌟
7. Final Thoughts 🧠
Feeling stuck in your software testing career is natural. But by setting goals, continuously learning, networking, mentoring, and seeking mentorship, you can break free from the rut and elevate your career. Remember, it’s a journey, and every step you take toward improving yourself will pay off.
If this blog resonates with you, let me know! Drop a comment below and tell me what’s holding you back or making you feel stuck. Let’s have a conversation about it and grow together! 💬👇
🔔 PS: My mentorship programs are live, and a Live Job-Ready Automation Batch to help you become an expert automation tester within four months! Check out the links https://sdet.live/become And You can also check out the testimonials at https://love.thetestingacademy.com/all from our successful students! , and let’s get started on your journey to success! 🎉
