Why career failures aren’t the end of the road on your professional journey

Chances are good that you have faced a setback at some point in your career. And if not, it’s likely you’ll face professional obstacles in the future.?

These moments can feel like a gut punch, leaving you questioning, “why is this happening to me?” and wondering how you’ll recover. But as senior contributor Tracy Brower writes in her recent story for Forbes, such negative experiences can potentially turn into future wins and lay the foundation for future successes. So, don’t get too down on yourself.

Career setbacks can come in many forms, but the toughest ones often result from being treated badly at work, not performing at your best, or your career taking an unexpected turn. Most of us have been there—in fact, according to a survey from Intoo and the Harris poll, 40% of people have lost their jobs at least once, and 23% have lost a job three or more times. Additionally, 73% feel anxious about being fired or laid off.

But it's important to remember that you’re not alone and setbacks are part of the journey. Brower writes that by reflecting on your experiences, connecting with others, staying optimistic and taking action, you can turn your career failures into stepping stones for future success.

When things go wrong, it's natural to try to avoid the pain and negative thoughts. However, confronting these emotions can enhance your resilience and ability to handle future challenges. And while it's important to avoid toxic positivity, staying optimistic is extremely beneficial. Accepting failure and viewing it in a positive light can help maintain your happiness and motivation, according to studies from the University of Kent.

Brower’s message of constantly pushing forward after experiencing failures really resonated with me. I've learned that some failures cut deep and are difficult to move past. However, even if you struggle to forgive others or yourself, it's important to try letting go of frustrations and taking positive action.

For more insights on overcoming career setbacks and turning them into positives, I recommend reading Tracy Brower’s full article.

Read the full story: How To Recover And Rebuild After A Career Fail

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Practical Advice: Networking tips to boost your LinkedIn connections

Do you struggle with networking on LinkedIn, often resorting to sending cold messages to expand your network? Well, you’re not alone.?

One of the major challenges of being a young professional is finding the most effective ways to connect with people and grow your network. In fact, as Forbes senior contributor Caroline Castrillon reported in her recent story, a survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of LinkedIn in late 2023 found that nearly half (47%) of working Americans feel uncertain about their networking skills.?

In that same story, Castrillon offers a few creative ways to help build your network on LinkedIn without relying on dreaded cold messaging.

1. Maintain Your Network: Networking isn’t a one-time event, it’s a continuous process. Begin by adding trusted contacts to your network, follow relevant industries and people, explore the “people you may know section” section, and make sure you're connected with all of the professionals you work with.
2. Leverage Mutual Connections: Finding new contacts who are linked to your direct connections is a valuable way to build your network. To find them, type a company's name in the search bar and select “People.” Once you find a second-degree contact, ask your direct connection to give you an introduction.
3. Join The Conversation: Don’t forget to join the conversations that are happening in your feed. Simple comments like “Love this” or “Great post!” can go a long way to building your network. Make sure to follow up with an occasional direct message to continue the conversation.

These are just some of the insights Castrillon shares in her article. Be sure to read the complete piece for all her valuable networking tips.?

Read the full story: 5 Ways To Network On LinkedIn Without Sending Cold Emails

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• Answering ‘How Do You Handle Conflict?’ In A Job Interview
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• Strategies To Boost Employee Engagement In The Workplace

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Thank you for reading! We'll be back next week with another edition of Forbes Edge. If you missed Tuesday’s newsletter, check it out here for a look at why younger generations aren’t as interested in the traditional corporate ladder.

This edition of Forbes Edge was written by Tavon Thomasson .