Going Back to the Drawing Board: How to Set New Career Goals After Job Loss

Losing a job is often dreadful, and you may feel frustrated, especially if you are looking forward to a promotion. But it also allows you to reevaluate your career and expand your professional network.

If you recently lost your job, consider reframing your career goals before creating a new resume and applying for openings. Doing so motivates you because you’ll have achievements to look forward to. It also gives you a positive thing to focus on as you grieve your job loss.

Here are some strategies for setting career goals to get you back on top.

 

☑️ Determine What Went Wrong in Your Previous Job

Reflecting on what went wrong in your previous job will help you set clear goals that allow you to be more resilient. Ask yourself if you lost your job due to external or internal factors. For example, was it because the company was downsizing or due to office politics?

Determine how well you were meeting your past employers’ expectations. Did they have any complaints about your work that may have contributed to losing your job? Or did the termination come as an unpleasant surprise because you thought you were doing okay?

Laking essential skills is a significant cause of job loss, especially in fast-evolving industries. Determine if your shortcomings were the reason your past employer let you go. Ask yourself if your current skills allow you to be competitive and efficient.

Sometimes, your attitude towards a job and your performance can cost you. If you have no interest in your work, you may deliver projects late and show no enthusiasm. You could also find it difficult to collaborate or mentor other employees.

As you assess what went wrong, ask yourself if you were happy with your role. Did your morale have anything to do with the job loss? Were there any complaints from former colleagues about your disconnect?

Answering such questions gives you clarity on what worked and what didn’t. It provides insights into how your career goals affect productivity and ability to blend in a workplace. Besides, it ensures you don’t set goals that don’t yield results, causing you to doubt your capabilities.

 

☑️ Redefine What Success Looks Like for You

Losing a job forces you to step back and reevaluate what it means to achieve career success. Initially, you may have thought of it as having a stable job and a lucrative salary. It may have also meant working in a big firm or holding an executive job in the same company you started your career.

Redefine success by determining what truly motivates you. Is it the freedom to engage in other activities that aren’t work-related or the work-life balance? Do you love impacting others positively and being financially independent?

If success means having more freedom, you should set goals that allow you to be flexible. For example, you can forego full-time employment for a part-time job or consider freelancing. You may also think of offering consulting services or finding a remote job.

If you love changing people’s lives, consider a position that allows you to serve others. It doesn’t have to be in a charitable organization; it could be something simple like customer support. Prioritize jobs that enable you to interact with people directly or leadership positions that allow you to make critical decisions.

Finding a job that aligns with your preference and view of success is not always possible. If you want to make more money and have a flexible job, you might have limited opportunities.

As you set new goals, determine the sacrifices you’re willing to make to achieve success. Doing so ensures you have realistic expectations before making your next career move.

 

☑️ Identify Your Strengths and Transferable Skills

When you lose your job, you may feel like you are starting your career all over again. But you already have skills and experience to help you be more competitive. Besides, you may possess strengths that differentiate you from other job seekers and allow you to adapt to a new workplace.

Identify transferable skills that will make you valuable in different positions. These can include:

• Effective communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Project management
• Leadership

Focusing on your abilities is a perfect way to identify the value you’ll add to your next role. It can help you realize that you’re more flexible than you initially believed. Looking into your strengths enables you to be open-minded and explore opportunities that weren’t on your mind before.

 

☑️ Consider Upskilling

Job loss often reveals skill gaps and helps you discover changes in the job market. Upskilling will build on your expertise, making you more appealing to potential employers. You can also gain new skills to explore opportunities in a different industry.

Before upskilling, research the trends in your industry and any other field you’re interested in. Identify certifications, technologies, or methods that are in high demand. After that, prioritize what you should learn based on your goals, budget, and availability.

 

☑️ Build Better Relationships With Your Network

When you lose a job, it may be hard to focus and set goals aligning with the job market. Your network can function as a support system that helps you stay on track. If you have friends who previously lost jobs but are doing well now, they can guide and advise you when setting new goals.

Improve your relationship with your network on LinkedIn by sharing stories about your career mistakes. You may be surprised when such posts resonate with influential people in your industry. Some of them may even reach out with job opportunities or helpful advice.

When setting new goals, think of networking as a way to learn and share ideas with other professionals. Contact former colleagues and mentors to ask for their guidance.

Secure informational interviews from your network if you are considering a career transition. These will give you more insights about an industry and help you set flexible goals.

 

Don’t Give Up After Losing Your Job

Dealing with job loss can be emotionally draining and cause you to give up on your career. However, going back to the drawing board is inspirational and eye-opening. It helps you work on your shortcomings and reevaluate what matters to you as a professional.

When setting new goals, ensure they are flexible and realistic to avoid pressuring yourself. You should also leverage your network for encouragement and access to new opportunities.