By Lydia Laughlin, Senior Consultant
Career setbacks happen to the best of us. Whether it’s restructuring, burnout, a toxic work environment, or just the slow realization that you have outgrown your current role, the feelings are often the same: feeling stuck, uncertain, and wondering what is next.
But here is the truth: setbacks are not the end of the story. They are a signal.
A chance to pause, re-evaluate, and reinvent your career with purpose. The challenge is real, but so is the opportunity.
Let’s explore how you can go from stuck… to hired!
Step 1: Pause Before You Push Forward
After a career setback, your first instinct may be to jump into the job hunt and apply everywhere. But rushing into a new role without clarity can lead to another bad fit.
Take a short pause. Ask yourself:
- What did I like and dislike about my previous roles?
- What kind of environment helps me thrive?
- What do I need in my future leader?
- What matters more to me now than it did five years ago?
Clarity is not optional in a reinvention; it is the foundation.
Step 2: Rebuild Confidence and Reclaim Your Story
Career setbacks can shake your confidence. Whether you were restructured or chose to leave, you may feel unsure of how to explain the gap or whether you are still “relevant.”
Here’s how to reset your mindset:
- Reframe the setback as a turning point, not a failure.
- Write a career narrative that highlights your resilience, growth, and goals.
- Practice talking about your transition in a way that shows maturity and intention.
“After a decade in corporate finance, I realized that I wanted a role that combined both strategy and human impact. That reflection led me to pursue opportunities in social enterprise operations.”
That is reinvention on your own terms!
Step 3: Identify What You Bring to the Table
Even if you are transitioning into a different field, your experience still matters. Focus on transferable skills such as:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Strategic thinking
- Project management
- Customer experience
- Problem-solving
Don’t get caught up in job titles. Ask yourself: “What problems do I solve?”
Then find roles (even new industries) where those same problems exist.
Step 4: Align Your Tools with Your New Direction
Once you are clear on your next step, make sure your marketing materials reflect your pivot:
- Update your resume to highlight relevant accomplishments, not just job duties.
- Rework your LinkedIn profile with a clear headline and About section focused on your future, not just your past.
- Practice a new elevator pitch that connects your background to your career goals.
Your materials should not say “I’m available,” they should say: “I know where I am going, and here is why I am a great fit.”
Step 5: Network with Purpose, Not Panic
The best opportunities do not always show up on job boards. Use your transition period to:
- Reconnect with past colleagues and mentors
- Attend industry events or webinars
- Join LinkedIn groups in your target field
- Conduct informational interviews
Don’t start with “Do you know of any openings?”
Instead, lead with curiosity: “I’m exploring a shift into [industry/role], and I’d love to hear about your experience.”
The job may not come right away, but relationships open the doors that job boards can’t.
Final Thought: Your Career Setback is a Setup for Something Better!
It is okay to feel discouraged after a career disruption.
But you are not broken, you are at a crossroads. And crossroads are powerful places to grow from.
With reflection, intention, and action, you can come back stronger, smarter, and more aligned than ever.
From stuck to hired isn’t just a tagline—it’s your next chapter!