Here's how you can navigate a career pivot after experiencing failure.

1 Acknowledge Emotions

It's natural to feel a cocktail of emotions after a setback—disappointment, frustration, even grief. Before you can effectively pivot your career, it's crucial to process these feelings. Acknowledging your emotions allows you to confront failure without being held back by it. This emotional clarity will enable you to assess your situation objectively and make decisions that are not clouded by negativity or self-doubt.

2 Reflect Intently

Reflection is a powerful tool. Take time to analyze what led to the failure without being overly critical. Understand the factors that were within your control and those that weren't. Reflecting on these aspects can reveal valuable insights about your strengths and weaknesses, helping you to identify areas for improvement and align your future career path with your core competencies and values.

3 Seek Support

You don't have to navigate a career pivot alone. Reach out to mentors, peers, or professionals who can offer guidance. In community organizing, solidarity is key, and the same applies to your career. A support network can provide different perspectives, encouragement, and advice based on diverse experiences, which can be instrumental in helping you move forward.

4 Reassess Goals

After a setback, take the chance to reassess your career goals. Are they still relevant and fulfilling? This is the time to redefine success on your own terms. Consider what you truly want from your career and life. Setting new goals that excite and motivate you is a crucial step in creating a career pivot that leads to long-term satisfaction.

5 Acquire Skills

In any career pivot, especially after a failure, upskilling can be a game-changer. Identify the skills needed for your new career path and find ways to acquire them. Whether through formal education, online courses, or self-study, enhancing your skill set will make you more marketable and confident as you enter a new field.

6 Act Decisively

Once you've laid the groundwork, it's time to act decisively. Create a clear action plan with achievable steps and timelines. Be bold in reaching out for opportunities, and don't let fear of failure hold you back. Your prior experiences have prepared you for this moment, and with a strategic approach, you're ready to embark on a new career journey with resilience and determination.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?