How to bounce back from a career crisis

Fired in a department restructure? Can't find the motivation to work another day? Discovered that your new job isn’t right after all? Perhaps it's time to look ahead rather than behind by turning your career crisis into a success story.

“The biggest challenge you come up against, I find, is moving through the loss," says career coach Annemarie Cross. “As with any major change people can experience grief, and that throws up other emotions such as anger. The most basic challenge, though, is rebuilding your self esteem.”

This means coming up with a strategy to nurture yourself. “Initially it may be wise to set up some safety nets, particularly with regards to your finances, and to surround yourself with people who can motivate you to plan your next career move,” says Cross.

Generally, Cross recommends developing a support system of people who are not directly affected by the fallout. “This minimises the risk of receiving judgemental or biased advice, and allows you to stay motivated as you undergo self exploration, skills development, or plan your next career move.”

While it’s important to mourn the loss of your career, it’s also important to consider how you’re going to move forward. Maintaining a positive attitude about your career may not always be easy, but it’s important. Recognise that you have good moments and not so good moments, but avoid defeatist thinking.

Concerns about a potential lack of employment opportunities are generally unfounded, believes Cross. “Remember that many other people have successfully navigated through a career crisis. With a little planning it might even allow you to move on to something bigger and better, like entering another industry, starting your own business, or achieving a more balanced lifestyle.”

As far as practical steps to kick start your job search, updating your resume and letting your network of contacts know that you’re in the market for a job is a good start. But if you've got the cash to splash, then the professional expertise and extra support of a career coach might be for you.

Concerned about the interview process? According to Cross, practicing your interview skills is a good way to prepare for difficult questions, especially regarding why you left your previous role. If you’re still feeling bitter towards your last employer it’s important not to reveal so, directly or not.

Finally, to sidestep the unpleasant aftermath of possible restructures or downsizing initiatives in the future, maintain a proactive attitude toward advancing your knowledge and talents.

“The one job for life principle rarely exists in today’s workplace,” says Cross. “So always aim to take control of your career rather than letting your career take control of you.”