What do you do if your career takes a sudden downturn?

1 Assess Reality

When your career hits an unexpected low, it's vital to take stock of the situation objectively. Understand the factors contributing to the downturn—is it a personal performance issue, a company-wide problem, or an industry trend? By pinpointing the cause, you can better determine the appropriate response. It's also important to evaluate your current skills, experience, and passions. This reflection can help you decide whether to work towards improvement within your current role or consider a shift in your career path.

2 Seek Support

Navigating a career downturn can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or a professional career coach for guidance and perspective. These individuals can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and provide emotional support. Networking is also crucial during this time. Reconnect with your professional network, attend industry events, and engage in online forums to open up new opportunities and gather insights from others in your field.

3 Update Skills

In a rapidly changing job market, keeping your skills updated is essential. If your career downturn is due to skill obsolescence or shifts in industry demand, consider pursuing further education or training. Online courses, workshops, and certifications can enhance your resume and make you more competitive. Additionally, learning new skills can reignite your passion for your work and may lead you to discover new career interests that align with market needs.

4 Adapt Strategy

Your initial career plan may need an overhaul in light of a downturn. It's time to adapt your strategy to fit the new circumstances. Set realistic short-term goals that will help you regain stability and work towards long-term objectives. Consider alternative roles within your field or related industries that could benefit from your expertise. Be flexible and open to change; sometimes a lateral move or even a step back can lead to greater career advancement in the future.

5 Build Resilience

Building resilience is key to overcoming career challenges. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of the downturn, focus on what you can control—your attitude, effort, and the actions you take. Learn from any mistakes and view them as lessons that can contribute to your professional growth. Embrace the uncertainty as a chance to explore new paths and develop a more robust and adaptable career mindset.

6 Move Forward

After assessing the situation, seeking support, updating skills, adapting your strategy, and building resilience, it's time to take action and move forward. Create a structured plan with clear steps and timelines to guide your progress. Stay proactive in your job search or in seeking advancements within your current organization. Maintain a positive outlook and be persistent—recovering from a career downturn is a process that requires time, patience, and continuous effort.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?