What do you do if your career is derailed by a major setback?

Experiencing a major setback in your career can be disheartening, but it's crucial to remember that setbacks are temporary obstacles, not permanent roadblocks. Start by allowing yourself to acknowledge and process your emotions. Then, assess the situation objectively. Identify the factors contributing to the setback and consider alternative paths forward. This might involve seeking support from mentors, networking to explore new opportunities, acquiring additional skills through education or training, or even considering a career pivot. Stay resilient, maintain a positive mindset, and view the setback as an opportunity for growth and development. Remember, setbacks often lead to unexpected opportunities.

Looking in your occupational mirror is difficult to do. Be honest and share with your mentor or at least someone who will be honest. Everyone should have a list of their own shortfalls and how you currently overcome them (we all have shortfalls); sometimes it's getting assistance from a colleague who has one or more of your weaknesses as a strength; other times it's hiring someone with those skills. Once you've identified the cause of the setback, assess the impact on the organization and your career path. Sometimes change is good. Think about it, discuss it, write it down . . . this process gets the issue(s) out of the back of your head and into the front where you can deal with it. If "it's not me", time to talk with your boss.

OK, you've looked at the cause, the source, talked about it with a mentor (like) person, and are satisfied you have the answer to the question "what happened." In exploring options you have several: - Change my performance/behavior or learn a new skill - Update resume - Look for another opportunity with a different organization or; - I do not need to change my performance/behavior - I need to address someone else's performance/behavior with them/boss/HR - I need to document the event and discuss with my boss Each event like this needs that honest introspection of skills and goals as they relate to my organization's. If they no longer marry up, let go of the bone and do what's right for your career.

Your network is intended to support you professionally. Anyone in your network that isn't doing that should be let go. Your network should serve two purposes; - A source for you to seek guidance, feedback, and potential work for you or a trusted friend - You as a source for your network to do the same You've heard the axiom "Your sole purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others." Someone in this category should not be in your network. You should be able to trust everyone in your professional network that you can speak freely and openly, you'll get honest feedback, and expect confidentiality without asking for it. Get feedback from 3 - 4 people, assess their value and be honest and vulnerable with the person in the mirror.