How to turn your biggest career losses into your biggest wins
Life takes interesting turns sometimes. We have plans, and then we receive a surprise instead. Something completely unexpected happens, and we are presented with yet another “lesson.”
I sure can tell a few stories about THAT!
When we’re in the midst of it, it can feel as if the Universe hates us. And if then someone comes along and tells us that bad things don’t happen to us but for us, we may feel an urge to punch them in the face.
For example, in January 2022, I experienced a serious setback. It was unrelated to my business, but has affected all areas of my life, and I’m still dealing with some of the aftermath. Without going into any details, let me just say, it’s a case of serious corruption.
After moving through the most challenging phases of this “event,” I am now getting more and more impatient about figuring out what the lesson of this experience was supposed to be.
What I do know is that this must have been either a major opportunity for growth for myself or an opportunity to confront something that needs to be addressed in our world, or both.
Be that as it may, let’s now look at some career-related opportunities for growth:
1. You failed to negotiate your salary
Accepted the job offer without negotiating the compensation package, only to find out that your less experienced colleague is taking home a much bigger paycheck at the end of the month? (I know what that feels like; been there!).
This is your opportunity to study negotiation skills and become a master salary negotiator… for the rest of your entire career! A coach can help you get there, and sometimes a small investment pays off big time!
2. You were passed over for a promotion that was supposed to be yours
When a colleague who is less committed or less qualified gets the promotion you wanted, that hurts. Unless you’re dealing with a case of favoritism, this often happens because they are more strategic, and they express their career goals more clearly.
It can help to voice your aspirations frequently, rather than just during annual review meetings. And to be more strategic with what tasks and responsibilities you take on. Shoving more work onto your plate won’t get you promoted. Productivity won’t get you promoted. Positive visibility will! Do your best to become more visible with the decision-makers.
Use this opportunity as your motivation to become a shining star! Learn to distinguish yourself with your unique brilliance and genius. Know, own, and show your value, and make that your top focus. Observe what happens! (And if that one job you wanted in your current organization is no longer available, you’ll find it elsewhere… now that you’re prepared.)
3. You were let go
Some of my clients were affected by layoffs, only to find that this was a huge blessing. Because while they were top performers, they were no longer happy in their roles, and they’d considered leaving anyway but somehow couldn’t bring themselves to taking that next step quite yet… often simply because they’d been at their organization for decades.
What’s key when you’re laid off is to know that it’s nothing personal. Layoffs don’t spare competent, high-performing, and committed employees. Layoffs are about money – that’s it!
So, there’s no reason for your confidence to get crushed.
Rather, ask yourself: What am I going to do with this gift? (Maybe you were lucky enough to get a generous severance package!)
Take this opportunity to really figure out what you want. What do you want your next professional chapter to look like? What’s that ideal role you’re looking for? Or is it time to start a business?
Write a new vision, update your resume, spice up your LinkedIn profile! Maybe also use this opportunity to take a break, de-stress, and replenish your energy so you can start fresh and with renewed enthusiasm.
If you have recently experienced any of the above situations, then I hope this article serves to inspire you to make the best of your loss,… or rather, opportunity!
You have a choice.
