There’s an inspirational saying that promises, “The comeback is always greater than the setback.” It’s an excellent mantra to remind yourself as you’re in the thick of the setback, but you still have to do the work to get out of it.
We already know that life doesn’t follow a perfectly straight path, but you’ve worked hard to get the professional side of things on an ascending trajectory. So, how do you handle going a few steps backward when it’s your career that’s on the line?
It may be hard to remember at the moment that the comeback is on the way. Yet, as long as you keep moving, you won’t stay down for long. Use these three tips to handle this temporary setback in your career, and start looking forward to seeing how far you’ll go using this time as a springboard.
- Refocus on Your Personal Life
Your job is important because it helps you build a strong personal life. However, many of us end up in careers where our family and friends are taken for granted and neglected.
This time off of work could be what you need to regroup and refocus on what’s truly essential. If you were in your job because it paid well or you thought it was what you wanted to do, taking a step away from it could clear your perspective.
Does your family miss you? Are you happier and less stressed without the responsibilities of your position? Is there something else you could do instead that might give you a better work/life balance?
Sometimes, a forced break is what we need to force new and better paths in our life. Even if the setback is due to an illness or injury, use this time away from work to your advantage for as long as your budget can afford it. Your disability insurance can help minimize the financial disruption while you rest, heal, and make big decisions.
- Work on Your Network Connections
Most of us only pay attention to our network of connections when we need something. It’s normal, but it’s not the healthiest way to keep those bonds fresh and strong.
If someone feels like you’re only coming to them when you want something they can give you, they may end up resentful. Going a few weeks or months without contacting an acquaintance is normal, but an occasional “hey, how are you?” is a simple way to strengthen your connection.
You have time on your hands now. Work on those connections by checking in on people you haven’t spoken with in a while. That reconnected bond might be the relationship that pushes you to your next career level.
- Make Regular Daily Habits
While you’re out of work, the worst thing you can do is indulge in your laziness. We all want to do this, and it’s easy to convince ourselves that we’ve worked hard and have earned a bit of binge TV watching and sleeping in. However, if you want to get out of this setback, you must engage in regular positive daily habits.
Get up early and get dressed like you’re going out for the day. Start a workout routine, or go to the gym if that’s what you usually do. Read inspirational and motivational books or listen to podcasts.
When it’s time to “start” your day, find ways to be productive that also move you forward in your career. If you’re on sick leave, take courses on subjects you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had time to do. (Note: There are thousands of free courses available online.)
If you’re out of work, fill out job applications, work on your resume, and update your CV. Hire a recruiter to advocate for you and do the heavy lifting to free you up for online courses and interviews.
Set a schedule, develop a routine, and stick to it. These healthy habits will continue with you when you get back into your career and make you stronger professionally and personally.
Conclusion
When you’re dealing with a setback, do your best to avoid taking it personally. We all fall sometimes, even though you may not see it in the people you’re watching. It happens. The key is to use that setback to rebuild yourself into someone stronger, better, and wiser, which you can do if you follow these three tips.