Ask for an honest appraisal
careers,self improvement
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It\'s often true, the truth hurts but by facing our failures we can correct them and learn from our mistakes. Ask you boss to be totally honest about what he thinks of your work, your strengths and weaknesses. You might not want to hear it but unless you know where you are going wrong, you can\'t put it right
Look at what your strengths were
careers,self improvement
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It\'s easy to focus on the doom and gloom of losing your job but you must have had impressive qualities to land the position in the first place. Look at which aspects of the job you were good at – what did colleagues compliment you on? Which parts of the role did you find easiest? Knowing what you are good at can help you look for a job that suits you better.
Step back and work out what you want out of life
careers,self improvement
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What did you want to be when you were a child? When we are younger we have clear ideals of what our lives will be like but these often get pushed aside as we deal with the struggles of the real world. Think back to your 10-year-old self and see if they would be happy with your life
Make a plan
careers,self improvement
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The unknown can be scary and when you lose your job you can feel like you are in freefall. Focus your energy by making a plan. This can be a short term to do list or a long term wish list but consciously thinking about where you are going will make you feel more grounded. Plus, research shows that people with 5 and 10 year plans are richer than those without.
Re-assess what makes you happy
careers,self improvement
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It is easy to get so caught up in the frenetic pace of everyday life that you don\'t actually stop and take stock of whether you are actually making the most of it. Do you enjoy helping people? Are you happiest working outside? Do you need structure or prefer to work on your own? Pursuing a career that brings us happiness means work never has to be a chore again.
Use it as a catalyst for a new direction
careers,self improvement
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Losing your job is the perfect opportunity to take control of your career - whether that is just to find a role better suited to you in the same field or start down a whole new path. Have you always wanted to write a novel? Often wondered what it would be like to start your own company? Now is the time to take the bull by the horns and do it.
Take some time off
careers,self improvement
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Most of us have dreamed of taking a career break but have never actually got around to it. Sometimes it takes an unexpected event to jolt us into action. So if you have always wanted to go to south America or volunteer in Africa then take this new found freedom as fate and make it happen.
Use your mistakes
careers,self improvement
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In job interviews it is a common question to ask about your weaknesses and how you combat them. Using real life examples from past events, and strong, practical solutions takes the focus away from your bad points and onto your ability to problem solve and resolve tricky situations.
Going through a career crisis?
careers,self improvement
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Here are some tips to help you restyle your professional life
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