Career Bad News: What Have You Got to Gain? | #LeadMorale #GrowthMindset
by Kate Nasser | Leave a comment »
The classic response to career bad news is often disappointment, anger, and resentment. Sometimes we move on to “what have we got to lose” or “how can we survive now” thoughts. All understandable reactions. Yet there are many benefits to career bad news that we don’t consider until we ask, what can I gain from this bad news?
Career Bad News: What Have You Got to Gain? Image by Jeshu John via DesignersPics.com
Career Bad News: Initial Thoughts
Let’s start with what initial thoughts come to your mind when looking at the above image. Frustration, worthlessness, waste, etc… Or creative attempts that lead productive results? Thirty-five years ago, I felt disillusioned with my career. I realized that the frustration was mine to fix. It was time to change my initial thoughts to something that would move me to a more fulfilled life instead of a frustrated life. That is definitely what I gained!
Replacing Initial Thoughts
Beyond the very real need to survive, examine the underlying question, “What makes you think you won’t?”
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“I’ve had one career for so long. I may not transition well.” Instead of thinking of a transition as a cataclysmic change, think of the skills you have that can continue your success in new directions.
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“My family life situation won’t allow me to relocate.” So instead of thinking “I am stuck here,” delve into what family means to you. One of the things you gain from career bad news is often a better awareness of what you care most about. That awareness can make you less frustrated whatever decision you make.
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“I’ve never known what I really wanted as a career. I fell into this one. I doubt I will know what I really want now.” This is not true. Many people have different careers before they find the one for them. It could even be a different career in the same field. You can find what will fulfill you!
Career Bad News: What Have You Got to Gain?
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A more focused and simplified life. Bad news has a way of changing your focus from an everyday life of details to what is most important to you. Your thoughts and focus matter. They change everything for the better.
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New skills and knowledge. The world is constantly changing. The need for certain jobs disappears and new jobs/careers emerge. Use your current skills and knowledge to move into a career that will allow you to gain new skills and knowledge. This is how you prevent becoming obsolete.
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A clearer vision of your true potential. You may enjoy your current career yet it doesn’t mean that is your full potential. See career bad news as a wake-up call you didn’t ask for yet one that will take you somewhere you didn’t know you even wanted.
Career Bad News: Instead of asking ‘why me’ try ‘what’s next for me?’
From my professional experience to your success,
Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™
Related Post: Persist When You Sense Potential, Change When You See Futility
©2025 Kate Nasser, CAS, Inc. Somerville, NJ. I appreciate your sharing the link to this post on your social streams. However, if you want to re-post or republish the content of this post, please email info@katenasser.com for permission and guidelines. Thank you for respecting intellectual capital.
Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™, delivers coaching, consulting, training, and keynotes on leading change, employee engagement, teamwork, and delivering the ultimate customer service. She turns interaction obstacles into interpersonal success. See this site for workshop outlines, keynote footage, and customer results.
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