What are some ways to cope with the loss of a career development mentor?

1 Acknowledge your emotions

The first step to cope with the loss of a career development mentor is to acknowledge your emotions and give yourself time to grieve. Losing a mentor can trigger feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, or anxiety. These are normal and valid reactions, and you should not suppress or ignore them. Instead, you should express them in healthy ways, such as talking to a trusted friend, colleague, or therapist, writing in a journal, or engaging in a relaxing or creative activity. By acknowledging your emotions, you can process them and move forward.

2 Celebrate your mentor's impact

Another way to cope with the loss of a career development mentor is to celebrate their impact on your life and career. You can do this by reflecting on what you learned from them, how they helped you grow, and what they meant to you. You can also honor their memory by writing a thank-you note, sending a gift, making a donation, or sharing a tribute on social media or a professional network. By celebrating your mentor's impact, you can show your gratitude, appreciation, and respect for them.

3 Seek new sources of support

A third way to cope with the loss of a career development mentor is to seek new sources of support for your career development. You may not be able to replace your mentor, but you can find other people who can offer you guidance, feedback, and opportunities in your field. You can do this by reaching out to your existing network, such as your peers, managers, or former mentors, and asking for their advice, referrals, or recommendations. You can also expand your network by joining professional associations, online communities, or mentoring programs, and looking for potential mentors who share your interests, goals, or values. By seeking new sources of support, you can continue to learn, grow, and develop your career.

4 Apply your mentor's lessons

A fourth way to cope with the loss of a career development mentor is to apply their lessons to your own career. Your mentor may not be with you anymore, but their wisdom, insights, and feedback can still guide you in your professional journey. You can do this by reviewing your notes, emails, or conversations with your mentor, and identifying the key takeaways, tips, or strategies that they shared with you. You can also think of how your mentor would handle a specific challenge, opportunity, or decision that you face in your career, and act accordingly. By applying your mentor's lessons, you can honor their legacy, demonstrate your skills, and achieve your goals.

5 Take care of yourself

A fifth way to cope with the loss of a career development mentor is to take care of yourself. Losing a mentor can be stressful and exhausting, and it can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Therefore, you should make sure that you are taking care of your basic needs, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits. You should also practice self-compassion, and avoid being too hard on yourself or blaming yourself for the loss. You should also seek help if you feel overwhelmed, depressed, or suicidal. By taking care of yourself, you can cope with the loss in a healthy and resilient way.

6 Explore new possibilities

A sixth way to cope with the loss of a career development mentor is to explore new possibilities for your career. Losing a mentor can be a turning point in your career, and it can open up new doors, paths, or opportunities for you. You can do this by reassessing your career goals, values, and interests, and seeing if they align with your current role, organization, or industry. You can also research new trends, skills, or fields that interest you, and pursue further education, training, or certification. You can also seek new challenges, projects, or roles that can help you grow, learn, or advance in your career. By exploring new possibilities, you can cope with the loss in a positive and proactive way.

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?