We all had those times when things didn’t go as expected--especially in our careers.
Maybe an interview didn’t go well, we weren’t accepted for a promotion, or our career trajectory changed in what seemed like an instant.
After all, at one point in 2020, the unemployment rate more than doubled. People who previously had good job security were either let go or furloughed.
And, even as we are a couple months into 2021, it may be hard to see the silver lining of whatever career setbacks we endured this past year.
I want to assure you...the biggest losses propel us forward. Being shaken from that comfort zone may actually be more of a blessing than a curse.
The Hidden Blessing of Loss
Experiencing a loss encourages us to examine our purpose. Are we living up to what we believe we were meant to do? Were we truly happy before the loss or just operating on autopilot? Is it time to change careers? Or restart the search for the dream job?
And, of course, this doesn’t just have to happen when you lose a job. In fact, I think it’s a good idea to check in with how you’re living your purpose regularly.
Yet, when faced with a loss, it may be hard to have clarity. We may be worried about what is going to happen next. Our thoughts are often clouded with frustration, resentment, or anxiety. And it’s not always easy to take a clear step back when overwhelmed with such emotions.
How do I know?
Well, it happened to me. Early in my career, I suffered a loss which, essentially, led me to where I am at now. But, of course, I didn’t know it at the time.
I was five points away from passing a Georgia teacher certification exam. There was no option to retake the test before the school year started. I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life, but the dream was swept out from under my feet.
I was devastated by the setback. I didn’t know what to do next.
Luckily, even in my young age, I was willing to reach out to others for help. I found someone to coach me and pull me out of my mindset of loss. The conversations gave me the clarity I needed to move forward.
Rediscovering my clarity and purpose resulted in finding an amazing job.
And that job--which I never would have even considered if I scored 5 more points on that test-- gave me insights and opportunities that illuminated my career path.
In short: My initial loss was a long-term blessing.
Paying It Forward
Sometimes I wonder where I would have ended up if someone didn’t help give me clarity while I was experiencing that loss--if I operated from a mindset of anxiety instead of purpose. Would I have chosen the first job that I came across? Abandoned what I felt was my calling in favor of earning a paycheck?
Luckily, I’ll never have to answer those questions.
Now, years later, I’ve had the opportunity to help others who were in similar situations. My experience as an executive recruiter and career coach is an asset to those searching for purpose if they suffered a career loss or simply felt stuck. The insider information I learned along the way helps individuals get the jobs they want for the pay they desire.
Suffered a loss or need direction?
Why not schedule a free clarity conversation. You never know where it may lead you…