Here's how you can regain focus and motivation following a significant career setback.

From a personal standpoint, experiencing a career setback can be incredibly challenging. It's like being thrown off course when you least expect it. However, I've come to see setbacks as moments of unexpected growth. They force me to pause, reflect, and reassess my path. While the emotional toll is undeniable, I've learned to view setbacks as opportunities in disguise. They push me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new skills, and ultimately emerge stronger. It's not easy, but with each setback, I've found resilience I didn't know I had. So, while setbacks may shake me momentarily, I've come to embrace them as integral parts of my journey.

Initial feeling of disappointment, anger or upset is natural but one should not make a permanent dwell on it. Although it is difficult to get out of this state but you can always seek help from your friends, family members or colleagues. Most importantly a distraction or something to motivate you will do the trick. Motivation comes from keeping yourself busy and looking for alternate option. Your focus should not only be finding job quickly but also look for opportunities some where else may be learn new trait. With the digital boom you can always find something to do remotely and getting paid for your services. One or two such assignments will not only give you moral boost and make you realise that you are not useless.

It's natural to feel upset and disappointed, but try not to harbor bitterness. Many of us dedicate years to our employers and expect the same dedication in return. However, being grateful for the positive experiences and opportunities can help maintain a balanced perspective. I recall being laid off due to a new CEO many years ago. Instead of reacting negatively, I asked the CEO about his trip to Alaska. A few months later, I was offered an opportunity to return, which I declined due to family plans. This experience taught me the value of grace and gratitude in tough times.

When I was laid off for the first time in healthcare, it was a shock. I never expected it and didn’t know how to respond. Thankfully, placement services helped me update my resume and understand hiring trends. Initially, I wanted to be hired immediately but realized this was unrealistic given the severe recession. I focused on temporary solutions and short-term opportunities to sustain my family’s income. Networking became crucial and led to an unexpected independent work opportunity for two years before I found a permanent position. Patience is challenging, but setting future career goals and providing for your family is essential.

Whether you have had a setback in finances, a marriage, losing a family member, or in your career it's okay to have feelings of loss. However, it is much to your advantage not to dwell on personal history. Avoid over analyzing why it happened and start focusing on strategy to move forward. Set realistic goals as early as possible to allow you to regain your sense of direction and make the progress you desire. Force yourself to readjust your mindset and focus on maintaining a positive outlook. Think about those things that inspire you. Remember, you're in control of you for moving onward. The more you take care of YOU during difficult times more you become stronger and overcome life challenges. Determination/dedication, vital to success

Take the time to feel and acknowledge the emotions. Just not too much time. Then reflect on what you contributed to the set back. (Hint, if you think you contributed nothing you did not learn anything from the experience). Now considering what you learned and what your goals are create a plan that includes specific actions steps for you to take to get back into the world.

This time around, I am having some fun! I'm enjoying my time off and doing work I love. Currently, I'm working temporarily as a pool service technician. I love being outdoors, getting some sun, and enjoying the physical labor. This new perspective on life is refreshing. When I arrive at a pool that's cloudy and filled with leaves, I feel proud seeing it clear to the bottom when I leave.

Maintaining balance after a job loss is essential. Start with simple self-care routines like walks, healthy meals, and rest to stabilize yourself. In a new job, set clear boundaries, take breaks, and protect your personal time. Blend work with activities that bring joy. Regularly assess your workload and communicate with your employer to prevent burnout. Remember, your worth is in your balanced life, not overwork. Prioritize self-care for lasting success and fulfillment. Balance keeps you grounded and ready for future challenges.

This makes me think of David Goggins and his concept of “the cookie jar”. This concept requires the person to reflect on their past successes as undeniable evidence of your capabilities and leveraging those successes to bring you back into your zone of resilience. People often get caught up on the set back instead of looking at what needs to be done. When setbacks occur, it’s an opportunity to not start from scratch, but restart with experience of what doesn’t work.