Drive Your Career: Managing through the Unexpected

You are thrown a curveball. The role you had yesterday has changed. New leadership, new direction, new goal. The position you held yesterday is no longer important to the overarching strategy. You are no longer the fit they want, need, or both.

It is impossible to tell you not to take this news personally. If you are doing your job, and doing what you love, taking it personally is what you do. Your position is your identity. Hearing "it is just business" doesn't make the sting less painful.

As a recruiter in the industry, I hear these stories often. If you find yourself in this position, here are some thoughts to consider. 

If you don't know what to do, don't do anything for 24 hours. Give yourself the space to get clarity on your next moves. It may be shifting focus and adding value in your new role, beginning a job search, or determining how to best align with the new company mission. Chances are you will have a better outcome if you can think logically and manage emotions. 

Determine what you can control in the situation. If you need to begin a job search, start with the basics. Updating a resume and linkedin profile allow you to review your achievements and experience. Although this topic stands alone, when you feel powerless at work, these are two objectives of which you have complete control. 

Take a serious moment to self-reflect. Where have you had success? What have you accomplished?  What are your greatest assets on team? Where have you had the most fun in your career, and why? Pay close attention to patterns to help visualize what you do best. If self-awareness is not a strength, find a mentor who shoots straight with you, and determine your strengths and what value you bring to an organization. 

Reach out to your network. If you follow our firm, we encourage keeping your network close at all times, not only when you need it. If you do find yourself in active search, reach out to your network and let them know you are interested in a new opportunity, and to please keep you in mind. Do so in the fashion of an email and a quick phone call, sharing one or two experiences you bring to the table that could be valuable to them. Give them specific reasons to think of you. 

Identify who will speak to your strengths. Who have you worked with in the last 10 years who knows you best? Who has managed you? Who have you managed? Who have you worked on projects towards aggressive timelines? Who have you problem-solved with successfully? Think of as many references as you find relevant, because as you reach out, you will also want to ask if they will write you a recommendation on LinkedIn.

Create a Search Plan. This topic stands alone, however, now is the time to think through the types of opportunities that interest you. Technologies? Locations? Company size? Types of opportunities? Who are the individuals within those organizations today that should be approached regarding your candidacy? Who will speak on your behalf as a reference?  What technologies interest you? Companies? Locations?  

Take care of yourself. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. When you identify with your work, loss of employment or dramatic changes to your role can cause anxiety or depression. Control what you can in your job search, but also give yourself time to focus on things that make you feel valuable. Involvement with your family, volunteering at a charity, or a new exercise regimen are all examples of ways to find the light as you go through a dark period.

Remind yourself that you are in control. You have your search plan and you can attack it everyday. You can't control the team around you, or the company hiring manager calling you for an interview, but you can control how you respond to the outcome. Fear is crippling, empower yourself with activities that you can drive.

If you are still employed, make sure you continue to perform to the best of your ability in the new role.  Most of the time, if you keep your head down and work your tail off, your performance will demonstrate your ability to rise to the occasion. Careers ebb and flow, and in challenge is where growth occurs.