Bummer though it may be, you must come to terms with the fact that success as you used to know it is over. Let it go. Look fondly on the good times that you had in the past and cherish those memories. For whatever the reason – job cuts, performance problems, or other issues – that ride is over now. It serves no good purpose to dwell on the reason for the ending – though it is important to acknowledge any missteps. Learn from them. Resolve not to repeat them. Then move on.

Losses provide an opportunity for new beginnings so take time to reflect upon where you’ve been, where you are at this point in your life, and where you’d like to go next. Do your homework. Take time to reflect. What are your interests? What matters most to you now? Were you too locked into the job before and want to have more time for yourself or relationships now? Do you want to stay in the same line of work? Do something different? Something totally new? What will you have to do to head out in a new direction? This is an opportunity to shift course. Chart the path. Take advantage of available professional development training, job search services, or business planning resources out there to help you. Mobilize the requisite skills. Then take flight!

Career losses and set-backs can be extremely daunting and demoralizing. They can sap you of your energy and blunt enthusiasm. Particularly when you were a powerbroker before and now it’s tough to get people to even return your calls. Yes, their memories are short and they seem to have forgotten all you did to help them. And, yes, you now have to do without many of the perks and privileges you used to enjoy that were part of your image in the community. But it’s a fact that attitude has everything to do with how you bounce back, so marshal the confidence that you will rise above it all and that you will come out ahead. You likely overstayed your time in your old position and the current change forces you to move into a new role that’s better suited for your talents and abilities. So don’t fear change and the unknown. Embrace the future and enjoy who you are yet to become!

 Loss of professional stature is disconcerting and depressing but it’s not the end of the world. It’s okay to feel sorry for yourself for a while, but don’t linger. Re-activate the same attitudes and behaviors that propelled your career before, remind yourself that you’re a winner, and get back in the saddle for your next great ride!