How to Overcome Career Setbacks

When dealing with career setbacks, it can easily affect your mood, relationships, and even your sense of identity.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sit back and accept your current circumstances. There are certain steps you can take to get back on track and regain control over your career. It might start with pinpointing what’s not working and figuring out what changes you need to make. This could mean upgrading your skills, exploring new job opportunities, or simply reassessing what you truly want from your career going forward.

Getting back on track will take some time and effort, but with and a clear plan and a sense of determination, you can navigate through these rough patches and find your way to a more fulfilling professional life.

So, here are some top tips to take on board and overcome career setbacks:

Explore other job markets and industries

When your current job feels like a dead end, it might be time to explore other job markets, either in your current field or making a complete career shift. Broadening your search can open doors to opportunities you might not have previously considered, leading you to a more fulfilling professional journey.

Start by researching fields that align with your interests and skill set. Look for emerging industries or sectors that are experiencing significant growth. For example, industries such as renewable energy, tech startups, or digital marketing are rapidly expanding and may offer innovative roles suited to your abilities. Keeping an eye on industry trends and future outlooks through market analyses, reports, and news articles can provide valuable insights into which sectors are thriving.

Networking is key when exploring new career opportunities. Connect with professionals in the fields you’re interested in and ask them questions to get a genuine sense of what it’s like to work in that industry. This firsthand insight can help you make a more informed decision about whether it’s the right fit for you. Also, consider joining online communities and forums related to your target field, so you can chat with like-minded people and even be informed of new job openings.

It might also be an idea to take on additional courses that can help you pivot into a new market. This can not only make you more competitive but also show potential employers that you’re committed to making a change.

Sign up to a recruitment agency

A recruitment agency such as Inspiring Interns can be particularly beneficial if you’re unsure of which career path to pursue. Their experienced team of recruiters can provide tailored guidance for your situation, in order to help you clarify your career goals and identify roles that align with your skills, interests, and values. This is because they have access to a broad spectrum of job markets and industries, allowing them to suggest career options you may not have previously considered.

Check out our job board here to see our latest vacancies.

Stay positive

When you feel like you’ve lost control of your career, maintaining a positive mindset can be incredibly challenging but crucial for moving forward. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged if you feel like you’re stuck in a negative situation, but your mindset can help you through this difficult period and regain your footing. Remember, it’s normal to feel frustrated or uncertain, at times, but aim to focus on what you can control, such as updating your CV, learning new skills or even reaching out to Inspiring Interns. These small, actionable steps can help you feel more in control and even lead to significant changes.

Remind yourself that career setbacks are often temporary, so stay open to different possibilities that come your way. Remember, that even celebrities and successful businesspeople have faced and overcome similar challenges to get where they are today.

Take initiative

Don’t wait for opportunities to find you—create them. If you notice areas for improvement within your organisation or see potential for new projects that you’d like to be involved with, take the initiative to suggest it. Volunteer for assignments that align with your career goals or propose new ideas that could benefit your team. For example, if you spot a more efficient way to handle a specific task, suggest it to your manager and offer to lead the implementation. This could put you in the spotlight within the organisation and propel your career forward.

Don’t forget to keep a record of your accomplishments and the positive impacts you’ve made. When it’s time for performance reviews or job applications, you’ll have concrete examples to highlight. Regularly ask for input from supervisors to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your skills and approach.