How to Avoid “Ghost Growth” When Starting Out in Your Career

By Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert, MyPerfectResume

When you’re starting out in your career, it can feel very exciting to see progress happening. A new title, more responsibilities, or even the always nice-to-hear praise from your manager. But what happens when that progress looks good on paper but doesn’t really feel like the kind of growth that’s truly moving your career forward? Many professionals are experiencing this exact phenomenon, known as ghost growth, and it’s something you’ll want to watch out for early in your career.

What is ghost growth?

Ghost growth happens when your career appears to be advancing, you’re getting new projects, titles, or recognition, but you’re not actually developing new skills, learning, making more money, or moving closer to your desired career goals. It’s growth on the outside, but limited progress on the inside. According to a recent report from resume builder MyPerfectResume, 65% of workers say they’ve experienced ghost growth which shows how common this is. 

Why it’s essential to avoid ghost growth early in your career

In the first few years of your career, it’s pivotal to build a strong foundation for your professional success. The habits, mindsets, and goals you set early on will shape how you grow for years to come. If you fall into ghost growth early on, you might:

• Miss out on developing the skills you need for future positions. 
• Accept titles or work that isn’t aligned with your value or career goals. 
• Stay in positions that don’t challenge or excite you. 
• Lose motivation and confidence in your long-term potential as a professional. 
• Take on more responsibility without the matching increase in pay. 
• Fall behind or become less competitive in today’s rapidly changing job market. 

Ghost growth can also make work feel frustrating and exhausting. When you’re in a job that looks good on paper but doesn’t help you grow, it’s easy to start feeling disengaged. In fact, according to the MyPerfectResume Great Detachment Report, 79% of employees feel detached from their jobs, with many pointing to workloads and a lack of career growth as the biggest reasons. 

Over time, this disengagement and constant extra work can quickly lead to burnout. A MyPerfectResume report found that 63% of workers feel burned out every week, showing how serious this workplace epidemic has become. Starting your career in a role that doesn’t challenge or develop you can take a toll not just on your motivation, but also on your long-term success and well-being. 

Key strategies to avoid ghost growth

1. Create your own career vision and mission

Even if you’re just starting out, it’s essential to ponder what kind of career you want to build. Ask yourself questions like:

• What is most important to me in regards to my career? Impact, creativity, flexibility, balance, leadership? Whatever it is, write down your core career values. 
• What skills and experiences do I want to develop over the next few years?

2. Identify the skills that matter most

It can be easy to say yes to everything as a way to gain experience. But focus is essential at every stage of your career. Start with identifying the skills to build for your current position and long-term goals. You can identify key skills by asking yourself:

• What skills are in demand in my industry?
• How is AI being used in my role and industry and what skills should I learn to work alongside it?
• What new skills am I most excited to learn?
• How can I build desired skills at my company by taking on projects, assignments or collaborating with new teams?

3. Be open and communicative with your manager 

Speaking up about your career goals might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, especially when you’re just starting out. But the earlier you develop this skill of self-advocacy, the easier it will become. And the payoff will be huge. Use one-on-one meetings or performance reviews to talk about your career aspirations. Never feel like you have to have it all figured out. These conversations are a great way to explore what you want, the skills you need to build, and what could be next for your role. Being proactive in these discussions doesn’t just show initiative. It also helps ensure your manager understands what growth means to you. 

4. Align your workload with your career goals

Make sure that when you take on new responsibilities at work, you’re intentional. Ask yourself how each task will help you learn new skills, get closer to your next role, or stretch you in new ways. Doing this self-check helps you see the value of the work you’re doing. And if you notice you’re consistently taking on busy work without meaningful development, that’s a signal to have an honest conversation with your manager about the kind of growth you’re looking for. 

5. Do your research and know your worth 

Don’t get stuck in the trap of not knowing what your role should pay, or skipping negotiations when you accept new roles. Doing this from the start will ensure you are being paid your worth from day one. Take advantage of sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to gain insights on salary ranges for your position. You can also talk to professionals in your field, or alumni from your school, to get real insights into pay. Understanding your value not only avoids the effects of ghost growth, but it also empowers you to negotiate and seek out the opportunities that really connect to your worth and value. 

Avoiding ghost growth means you are setting yourself up for a career that feels as fulfilling as it looks. When you take the time to reflect on your goals, communicate your aspirations, and pursue opportunities that excite you, you’re building a career that reflects who you are while helping an organization meet its mission. That isn’t just a win for you; it’s a win for any company lucky enough to have you as an employee.