What are the most effective ways to rebound from setbacks in a geology career?

We work in an industry that is highly sensitive to economic cyclicity where price changes can render projects and/or resource plans untenable. At some point many of us may feel the effect of this volatility. Sometimes geopolitics or company take overs may impact us. We must accept that these things are beyond our control. So we need to keep the big picture in focus and concentrate on what we can control. What are the main trends in the industry? What skills do we need to learn to keep up with or ahead of them? What do we need to learn to remain a valuable resource? As someone who was recently made redundant and is currently seeking work, I am reflective. My advice is stay humble, share knowledge and experience openly and do not give up.

It's nothing to do with geology. In any field of study, requirements and demand as per the ongoing development programs are the driving factors. So no reasons to accept it hard way. It's normal.

Stay resilient, keep learning, and leverage your network. Adapt to changes, seek feedback, and embrace new opportunities. Persistence, continuous growth, and supportive connections are key to bouncing back in a geology career.

I would say that even when things seem to be moving on a Geologic Time Scale, you have to persevere. Don't lose touch with the folks in your network, volunteering helped me keep that alive.

Recovering from a significant setback in one's career, whether it be in geology or any other field, is generally a challenging task. Many individuals tend to succumb to feelings of anger or denial. While this reaction is understandable, it can hinder their progress in overcoming the destructive behaviors that may have contributed to their downfall. However, those who successfully bounce back from career setbacks approach the situation differently. They understand the importance of putting in the effort to understand why they faced failure, exploring alternative paths they could pursue, and ultimately seizing the right opportunity.

A profissão de geólogo possui um vasto campo de aplicação no mercado. O geólogo é responsável por entender e interpretar os mecanismos físicos, químicos e mecânicos que regem o funcionamento do planeta Terra. O geociêntista tem a capacidade de perceber nuances e indícios que se manifestam naturalmente na superfície do planeta. Porque a cor do solo ou a densidade da vegetação muda ao longo de uma colina? Ou, porque ao longo de uma mesma encosta há locais onde o solo é erodido e outros locais não? Geólogos atuam na área de ensino, em órgãos governamentais, na construção civil, mineração, no setor de energia, transportes, meio ambiente, dentre várias outras áreas. Um revés numa área, pode abrir portas para outras áreas.

En un mot , il faut re germer de ses pourritures. L'échec n'est pas une fatalité mais une appuie. On peut aussi ajouter que l'orgueil n'est pas un bon conseiller

I think that there's nothing like a setback. You must learn and evolve for change. This concept will help in every point of life.

Même un plus petit que soi peut vous ouvrir un pan de connaissances. . On ne détient jamais la connaissance infuse. La vie n'est que collecte d'informations et apprentissage

Setbacks are part of the growing process, provide big lessons, and enhance character strength. Saying that, an analysis has to be done to define the reasons of the setback, to understand if those were up to the person or derived from the environment (where you don´t have control). After that analysis a new path has to be implemented to be ready for the next challenge....for sure you have to work on generating new opportunities. Focus on new targets and be positive-realistic about the future.

Geologist career is not limited so expand own skills to learn new things and also should explore with your seniors , colleagues and surrounding network of same job domain.

In my experience, using my network of alumni and peers has allowed me to find new opportunities in my career. Not every job is going to align with your career goals. Sometimes you take a job to pay the bills while you figure out a more long-term path. It is much easier to find a job when you have a job, even if that job makes you cry. I grew the most as a person and a professional when I was challenged with a position I didn't love. I also wouldn't have known that I didn't enjoy that type of work had I said no to the opportunity. Talk about motivation.

Il serait aussi possible de s'essayer dans d'autres spécialités, parfois la spécialité pour laquelle on a enregistré l'échec n'est pas à notre aise

Setbacks are neither new nor permanent. Keep developing yourself - sharpen old skills, learn new skills, re-invent yourself and continue to look for suitable opportunities. Stay positive.

In my opinion, there are strategies that should be implemented to effectively rebound from setbacks in your geology career and continue to progress in the field: 1. Keep learning and stay updated with the latest developments in geology. 2. Build a strong professional network and seek feedback to improve. 3. Be adaptable to changes in the field and diversify your skills. 4. Develop a resilient mindset to cope with setbacks. 5. Seek mentorship and stay positive and persistent. 6. Maintain a healthy work-life balance and set new achievable goals.

One thing I found helpful is finding a hobby. You do what you like and enjoy and disconnect from work, in general. Having a me-time flourishe ideas and new goals. Examples for hobbies could be golf or padel. What I learned is that the more you take care of your body, the less you get affected by setbacks.

To state the obvious, just remember your role as a geologist and just try to be good at that (understanding things in the ground). It’s astonishing how many geologists filling roles in industry preoccupy themselves with all manner of tasks which don’t involve mapping, logging, processing, analysing, or modelling. So be good at those and you’ll fill the gaps they create sooner or later.

It's important to *prepare* for setbacks. Build a financial buffer so that you can cover 6 months to a year without income. Don't spend that pay rise as soon as you get it (or worse, anticipate next year's rise and start spending - or simply over-reaching financially)

There are always setbacks in life and frequently out of your control. Need to be objective, step back & look for lessons before you're able to move on. Essential to keep learning, exercising your mind & body. Just keep applying for suitable jobs, but sometimes need to move sideways or backward to move forward & best of luck.

En géologie on n'est jamais fixé au préalable des aléas du terrain, la nature réserve toujours des surprises. Il faut suivre une certaine méthodologie associée au maîtrise du terrain et aux connaissances préalables, ce qui peut dédoiner des échecs éventuels. On n'est jamais sûr

Lose the word “setback”, it’s not helpful. Rather see the phrase “wake-up call” or “opportunity awaits”! You are being forced into a situation you didn’t choose to be in. Take a big breath , close your eyes, and simply feel all the emotions attached to your situation. Calm your mind. Now open your eyes to experience the new future ahead of you. Be bold, courageous, acknowledge your own worth and open your mind to the endless possibilities ahead of you. That situation you WERE in, is history, one for the books or a quiet beer. Go forward, because as you open up your possibilities, you will realize that you NEVER want to go back to the way things were. Life is too interesting 🤔