What do you do if your career takes a hit?

When assessing damage, it's crucial to take a pragmatic view of the situation. Start by objectively examining what occurred and how it has influenced your career trajectory. This process isn't about dwelling on setbacks but rather comprehending their scope and impact. Acknowledge any emotions you may be feeling—whether it's frustration, disappointment, or fear—but then set them aside to concentrate on a practical analysis. Obtaining a clear understanding of your current standing is essential for devising effective next steps and moving forward with purpose.

Objective Evaluation: Take a pragmatic view of the situation to understand its implications on your career. Analyze Impact: Objectively assess what happened and how it has influenced your career trajectory. Manage Emotions: Acknowledge and set aside any emotions like frustration or disappointment to focus on practical analysis. Gain Clarity: Obtain a clear understanding of your current standing to plan effective next steps. Move Forward: Use the insights gained to devise a purposeful plan for moving forward in your career journey.

No matter what point you’re at in your professional career, you’re bound to be interrupted by hurdles or roadblocks...These may halt some in their career path, but one can utilize this time to stay ahead of the game. Overcoming these situations can only lead to growth, success and overall a better version of yourself.

Evaluate the Impact: Understand the extent of the damage to your career. This could involve assessing changes in your job role, responsibilities, or professional relationships. Identify Causes: Determine what led to this situation. Understanding the causes can help you avoid similar situations in the future. Develop a Recovery Plan: Based on your assessment, develop a plan to recover and rebuild your career. This could involve acquiring new skills, seeking mentorship, or exploring new career opportunities.

One thing for sure to happen is one gets worried about the future and thinks about how to overcome the situation. What has happened has happened and cannot be reversed so one needs to understand which situations made that thing happen so that one can be careful about it in future and take it as learning, move forward and look for better opportunities. Always be optimistic that what happened may have happened for good and there may be better doors opening up for you.

Request Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from colleagues, superiors, or mentors. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights into your performance and areas for improvement. Analyze Feedback: Take the time to understand and reflect on the feedback you receive. Identify patterns and areas where you can improve. Implement Changes: Use the feedback to make necessary changes and improvements. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to overcoming career setbacks and achieving professional growth.

Feedbacks are something which should be taken before the damage happens, once the damage has happened probably one himself/herself knows why it happened. Feedbacks should always be seeked time and again as it helps one to grow, Self Development, self-improvement, which always shows better path. Feedbacks can also be taken from colleagues, seniors for self improvisation.

To update skills after a career setback, identify gaps, learn through courses, seek feedback and mentorship, network, use online resources, apply skills practically, and stay updated on industry trends.

Update Skills in Global Talent Acquisition: Stay Relevant: Keep pace with evolving industry trends and skills. Assess Skill Gaps: Identify areas needing improvement in your expertise. Explore Learning Opportunities: Seek out relevant courses, certifications, or workshops. Invest in Professional Development: Prioritize enhancing your skills to boost confidence and employability.

Active Networking in Global Talent Acquisition: Utilize LinkedIn: Leverage LinkedIn as a primary networking platform. Attend Industry Events: Participate in relevant industry gatherings and conferences. Engage Online: Join professional forums and discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. Reconnect: Reach out to former colleagues and connections to expand your network. Visibility Matters: Increase your visibility within the professional community. Opportunities from Connections: Recognize that career opportunities often stem from networking. Consistent Networking: Regularly engage in networking activities to enhance opportunities.

Reflect: Take time to assess your career aspirations in light of recent setbacks. Set New Objectives: Establish new goals that align with your current circumstances and industry trends. Use SMART Criteria: Ensure goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Increase Success Potential: Enhance goal achievement by setting clear and structured objectives.

I have always used a positive mental attitude as my default, especially in the face of setbacks or adversity. I accepted three created-for roles that did not last when times got tough. I have been on the wrong end of 5 Reduction In Force (RIF) efforts in my career, through no fault of my own. In fact, in my most recent role on the Global Executive Recruiting Team at AWS, my position was eliminated shortly after I was told I was being promoted and received a nice raise, including future stock options that was never realized. That said, they have all been business decisions, out of my control. Practice the TGIM! Attitude (APEX-Factor PEP Talks Podcast) where every new week you have endless opportunities. Stay positive and moving forward.