Twice fired in 6 months after 15 flawless years—how do I rebuild my confidence?

Y

YardAttack77

New Member
Hey guys, I'm looking for some career advice and posting this anonymously because it's a bit embarrassing.

I work in a small industry, and my career was going really well. I only ever got good feedback, had great relationships with all my coworkers, and had a nice government manager role. My old boss became an executive and had a bigger budget, so I thought I was in a good spot to do well if things were restructured. But out of nowhere, me and my whole team were let go.

I managed to find a job quickly at a small private company with a friend of mine. I was there for a little under six months. It was taking me a bit longer to get used to things since the private sector is different, but I was putting in the work—no fake sick days, I made an effort to get along with everyone. Then yesterday, with no warning, I was let go just before my probation ended.

So after 15 years without any issues, I've now lost my job twice in six months, both times by people I was close to. My confidence is totally gone, and I'm questioning everything and doubting myself.

Has anyone else gone through something like this? How did you get back on your feet?
 
Twenty three years with one company. Then gone. Two years at the next. I walked away. Now, closing in on three years here. Still enjoying it. Still breathing.

Things happen. You get knocked down. You stand up. You try again.

Don’t play the victim.
 
Ugh, it totally sucks, but yeah, it happens. The private sector can be downright brutal sometimes.

I don't have a magic answer, but my advice is just not!to let it knock you off your feet. In the private sector, they usually expect you to hit the ground sprinting like, there's zero time to get your bearings and basically no hand holding. They pretty much want you making an immediate splash. It’s not fair, I know, but that's just how they roll, especially once you're past the entry level stuff.

Like you said, take a couple of days to chill on the couch, then unleash the job applications like a beast until you land your next gig.

Oh, and pro tip: you might wanna forget, like, 90% of what you picked up in a government job if you want to make it in the private world. Haha, seriously.
 
Yes. Just act like it never happened and put all your effort into your next job. It's similar to being turned down by someone you like: the first rejections sting, but you eventually realize it's a normal part of life. Keep going and don't worry too much about it. Each new job is a fresh start. Good luck!
 
This is tough, and there are lessons to learn here.

For now, get back out there and find your next opportunity!

Remember, many of your coworkers will put their own careers and futures first.
 
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