What do you do if your career is facing setbacks and challenges?

1 Assess Reality

When setbacks hit, it’s essential to take a step back and objectively assess your situation. Understand the factors contributing to your career challenges. Is it industry-wide or specific to your company? Are your skills up-to-date with market demands? Evaluating the root causes without bias can help you determine the most effective course of action. This might involve seeking feedback from mentors, reviewing your performance, or considering market trends. A clear-eyed view of your circumstances is the first step in navigating through them.

2 Set Goals

Once you've assessed your situation, set realistic and achievable goals to regain control of your career trajectory. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, if salary is the issue, determine what you believe is a fair compensation for your role and experience. Then, outline the steps you need to take to reach that salary level, whether it's acquiring new skills, taking on more responsibility, or searching for a new position that values your worth.

3 Enhance Skills

In a competitive job market, enhancing your skills is a surefire way to add value to your professional profile. Identify skills that are in high demand within your industry and invest in learning them. This could mean taking online courses, attending workshops, or even going back to school. By improving your skillset, you not only increase your chances of overcoming current setbacks but also position yourself favorably for future salary negotiations and career advancement.

5 Communicate Value

Understanding and communicating your value is crucial, especially during salary negotiations. Articulate your achievements and how they've benefited your employer. Prepare a list of your contributions that showcases your impact on the company's success. This evidence can be a strong argument for a salary increase or a more favorable position during a job search. Communicating your value effectively can turn the tide in your favor when facing career challenges.

6 Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive outlook is vital when dealing with career setbacks. It's easy to become discouraged, but positivity can lead to resilience and open the door to new possibilities. Embrace adaptability and be willing to pivot your career path if necessary. Sometimes, setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities that align better with your long-term goals. By staying positive, you keep yourself open to growth and progress, even in the face of adversity.

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?