Here's how you can navigate stress and anxiety during a career setback in commercial design.

1 Acknowledge Feelings

Acknowledging your emotions is a vital first step in dealing with a career setback. It's perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions, from disappointment to anxiety. By accepting these feelings, you give yourself permission to process them. Take time to reflect on what has happened and how it's affecting you. This doesn't mean dwelling on the negative, but rather understanding your emotional response so you can begin to work through it. Remember, recognizing your feelings is not a sign of weakness but a form of self-awareness that is crucial for personal growth.

2 Seek Support

During a career setback, seeking support can make a significant difference in how you cope with stress and anxiety. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or industry peers who understand the unique pressures of commercial design. These individuals can offer valuable advice, share their own experiences, and provide emotional support. Additionally, consider joining professional groups or online communities where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. Knowing you're not alone in your struggles can provide comfort and open up new avenues for professional opportunities.

3 Reassess Goals

A career setback can be an opportune time to reassess your professional goals. Reflect on what you truly want from your career in commercial design. Perhaps this is the moment to pivot towards a different design specialty or to enhance your skill set through further education. Reevaluating your objectives can also help you identify any gaps in your experience or knowledge that you can address. Setting new, achievable goals will give you a sense of direction and purpose, which can be incredibly motivating during a challenging period.

5 Embrace Learning

Embracing continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving field of commercial design. Use this time to expand your knowledge base and skill set. Whether it's mastering a new design software or studying emerging design philosophies, learning new things can boost your confidence and make you more marketable. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you're adaptable and committed to your professional development, which are highly valued traits in the design industry.

6 Plan Ahead

Finally, planning ahead is key to overcoming a career setback. Start by updating your resume and portfolio with your most recent work and any new skills you've acquired. Then, create a strategic job search plan that targets companies or projects that align with your career aspirations. Networking is also an integral part of planning for your future; connect with industry professionals and recruiters who can provide insights into job openings and market trends. By being proactive and organized, you'll be better prepared to seize new opportunities as they arise.

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?