I've had a few career set-backs, but I know I'm smart, with tons of potential. Can things be different this time around?
2006-09-04 11:34:11 · 13 answers · asked by .......... 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I already know the answer is "of course". I'm just looking for ways to learn from past mistakes, so they won't hold me back from being as strong as I know I can be.
2006-09-04 11:35:32 · update #1
Stop the Madness!
Failure is good... Failure is how we learn.
This may well be one or your greatest opportunities in life.
The trick is to understand what went wrong and to identify the specific failure points. You must be honest.
Not only must you find those failure points, but you must look for the indicators that lead up to the failure so you can identify them too. Being aware of those indicators tells you when to act In the future to be able to alter course before the problems develop
We all have weaknesses and strengths. Acknowledge your weakness and learn how to compensate for them.
Every great manager practices a form of failure management. Not to manage failures, but to manage situations before they become failures. And you can't do that unless you can identify those points, and it's hard to identify those points unless you've experienced them before
A great interview question is to discuss a weakness or failure. They are not looking for a confession, but rather how you've learned to overcome them.
Again, this is a great opportunity for you if you act on it, otherwise it's just another failure point.
Good Luck
2006-09-04 12:52:33 · answer #1 · answered by yeeooow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, obviously, don't make the same mistake twice! Whether it's a job or business, start small and work your way up. I started my business many years ago with $2.25 and without borrowing a penny, slowly grew it into a successful small business that at its peak had 3 full time employees, a large, new building, two trucks and about $200,000 gross a year! Best wishes. Meanwhile, remember that most successful people in public life as well -- writers, actors, politicians, etc. -- failed . . . or were rejected . . . in their early attempts.
2006-09-04 12:38:14 · answer #2 · answered by worldinspector 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started in journalism (hated it) moved on to IT (enjoyed learning and doing my own stuff, but failed spectacularly to hold down a job in that sector!) now an accounts administrator and in the process of setting up my own business. I have my own house, car, go on decent holidays and have a good social life.
That said, it's one thing being smart but you have to use that to reach your potential. I could have got where I am a lot quicker if I'd applied myself to the IT stuff - and it would have been more useful in setting up my own company - but we live & learn. It's up to you to learn from your mistakes & move on in a positive way.
It's also never too late. There's a famous author (so famous I've forgotten her name, but then she doesn't write my kinda books!) who only began writing when she was 70 (that's seventy)!
The main thing is to stay positive and work at it - it's not gonna fall in your lap!
2006-09-04 11:58:09 · answer #3 · answered by jantangerine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. But you already know this - you just want to hear it from somebody else. If you go for another job, hit them with a barrage of endless confidence. I wouldn't cover over your setbacks - let the prospective employer know about them, and give them in full detail how you intend to avoid these setbacks going forward. Employers love this sort of forward thinking, I would think.
2006-09-04 11:40:22 · answer #4 · answered by Lunarsight 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure. Make out a list of what's gone wrong in the past and figure out ways to prevent them from happening again.. Sounds like you have the right attitude.
2006-09-04 11:42:55 · answer #5 · answered by Papa John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One definition of insanity is repeating the same things over and over and expecting different results. Next time you make a big decision ask yourself "have I been here before?"
2006-09-04 11:41:49 · answer #6 · answered by porkchop 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you know that Thomas Edison (the guy that invented the light bulb) found 500 ways you can't make a light bulb before he got it right?
Glad he kept trying or we would still be burning candles. (for light not fragrance)
2006-09-04 13:00:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Set-backs are growth opportunities which prepare you for the future. (if you learn from them)
Best Wishes!
2006-09-04 15:10:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you failed , try, try again.
if the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
2006-09-04 11:44:40 · answer #9 · answered by Adnan Sallam 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
like you said
learn from your mistakes
2006-09-04 11:40:00 · answer #10 · answered by green17stone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋