How to Recover From a Setback at Work

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Business professionals, especially company leaders, probably learn to bounce back from a setback at work at least once in their professional lives. Whether you got fired, demoted or had a horrible boss, how you handle these types of situations creates character despite the embarrassment and disappointment you may feel.

The first, and perhaps hardest, thing to do revolves around embracing your failure and moving forward. Your may doubt your abilities, work ethic and value after coming to terms with the seemingly irreversible mistake you made at the office. Turn your "walk of shame" into a "walk of fame" by turning your setback at work into a launching pad for the next phase of your professional development. Admit your mistakes, but also accept them as learning opportunities to propel your life in a new and exciting direction.

Get "positive revenge" by becoming more successful than before. For example, Bernie Marcus was fired as an upper-echelon executive of Handy Dan Improvement Centers after he got into an argument with his boss. Instead of letting this setback at work destroy his career, Marcus created his own home improvement concept known as The Home Depot. His revenge on his former boss was that Marcus created one of the most successful hardware store chains in the United States.

Surround yourself with people your trust, whether that network entails your friends, family or past co-workers. People who support you, no matter what, create a positive atmosphere to help you bounce back quickly. Turn your setback at work into a chance to get to know your network better. Your family and friends give you emotional support when you need it the most.

Apologize to whomever you wronged, even if you feel as if you are right. This creates a positive image in the minds of other people, and it helps clear your name of any perceived wrongdoing. Maintain a positive attitude and remain confident in your abilities. If you need to find a new job, a positive outlook may increase your chances of being hired, even in the face of adversity.

Set new goals for yourself and focus on a plan to achieve those goals. Do you have to get an entry-level job to get to your ultimate goal 10 years from now? Is the career path you chose the one you really want? Examine your passions and driving forces to turn your setback at work into the motivation to make yourself truly happy.

How you deal with a setback at work is at least as important as how well you deal with success. Failing at the office does not dictate the rest of your life or career success. Instead, an important life lesson gives you a chance to take a breather and recharge for the next step.


Photo courtesy of tuelekza at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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  • michael cawley
    michael cawley

    Sorry, my last email was sent before I finished. I meant to say that it is a challenge to keep a positive outlook in what is still an insecure marketplace. Ihav

  • michael cawley
    michael cawley

    Great advice even if you are still employed. Maintaining a positive attitude is a major challenge especially in these stoll

  • Jeffery Bartz
    Jeffery Bartz

    Thank you

  • Randy M.
    Randy M.

    Ted god bless my job is laying me off at the end of the month April 31,2015

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Ted good for you. Attitude is SO important and it sounds like you have a good one. Glad that you are getting good responses. The next position is right around the corner! Wishing you all the best.

  • I Fisk
    I Fisk

    This is very timely for me. I lost my job recently. My only goal is to get a new position that is right for me and will support my wife and I. It is all about me and my attitude and how I network and move my job hunt forward. I have done a lot of introspection in the issue that caused my separation from my former employer and having settled it in my mind, I am dedicated to not making that mistake again and I am getting good responses to my resume. I am very hopeful for a new position soon.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thanks for your comments. It's difficult to handle any type of setback and to come out of it on the other side. Maintaining a positive attitude @Kari is a great way to move forward. Good luck @Damaris. You have taken the first step to get back on track. @Carmen age discrimination is, unfortunately, alive and well. All you can do is to keep on searching and applying and a job will come your way. Best of luck.

  • Damaris  Diaz
    Damaris Diaz

    I have been out of work for three years and now,I'm trying to get back on track

  • Kari B.
    Kari B.

    What we as employees tend to do in the face of failure really depends on our outlook of our inner worth. There are times in our lives that may seem unfair, but life isn't about being fair or unfair. It's about what you make of it. There are establishments that do not like to hire tattooed people, or people that are over 50 or over qualified people. If that is the issue....well then...they are missing out on an opportunity of growing and expanding their business. Is that something that we need to worry about?? NO.... What are focus needs to be on is our own commitment to not give up just because of a speed bump. Stay strong and remember.....YOU are in control of your life and where it goes.....NO ONE else is. Grab the preverbal bull (life) by the horns and live it to your fullest ability. And just an additional note. Spelling, punctuation and communication skills really increases your chances on getting your point across with the impact that you desire :)

  • Carmen A.
    Carmen A.

    People or lets say some places think cayse you are in your 50s you are to old to work i feel if you are heathy an can work an have the experience you should be able to get the job ok some kids coming out of college do you need the work but these kids coming out of college have no knowledge other than paper they have not been on the work field they do not have the experience of being in the office or working with people I believe they do need a chance but consider that an older person may have a mortgage may have a family that they need to support what happens to usa lot of these college students still live at home

  • wenwen zhou
    wenwen zhou

    Someone who are very condidnet does not have the negative feeling,but I am just a common girl.

  • Sandra Serrano
    Sandra Serrano

    Doesn't help if the setback was to leave one career to another when the corporate world doesn't accept tattoos.

  • Elizabeth V.
    Elizabeth V.

    Great article!!!

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