How to Redeem Your Career After Getting Demoted was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Getting demoted stings, especially if you think you are performing well and on your way to the next big role. But, even if you saw it coming, losing your rank may affect your confidence and work morale. It can make you doubt your abilities and sometimes cause you to resent your new boss.
While it’s tough dealing with demotion, it doesn’t mean your career is over. You can still redeem yourself and show your superiors you are a competent and valuable employee. In the long run, you might recover your position or land a dream role in a different firm.
Let’s explore how to save your career after getting demoted.
👉 Don’t Shut Down
Ignoring your emotions after a demotion will do more harm than good. You may feel tempted to put on a brave face and reassure your colleagues or family you are doing well. But, if you aren’t okay with the situation, burying those feelings can lead to an outburst. It will also impact your mental and physical health, eventually reducing productivity.
Instead of shutting down, talk to someone about your feelings. It doesn’t have to be a professional, but you should still consider that when things get overwhelming. Your family and friends can help you process the disappointment, anger, or fear so that you can move on.
Talking about the issue helps you shift your focus. You can still appreciate things about your new role instead of focusing on negative aspects. Venting also enables you to go back to the drawing board and map a new career journey.
👉 Get Feedback From Your Bosses
Once you process your emotions, it’s time to establish what happened so you can avoid it in the future. Approach your boss and ask for feedback on your previous role. Why did they think you weren’t up to the task? Did one action influence the decision, or was it because of something you frequently did?
Finding out what went wrong can be intimidating, but you need it to move forward. As you talk to your boss, you should ensure they understand where you’re coming from. You shouldn’t use the conversation to defend yourself or blame others for your downfall. Instead, use it to discover where you fell short and identify the skills you need to protect your career.
👉 Rebuild Your Confidence
Do you feel like all the steps you took to get to the role you just lost were for nothing? Reflect on your achievements and the different ways they helped the company. Remind yourself of cases where you supported coworkers and mentored your juniors.
Think about the instances when your bosses applauded you on your job. Besides, write down positive reviews or feedback received from clients or colleagues.
Remembering your achievements is the easiest way to reassure yourself and regain confidence. If you accomplished great things before, you can still do it despite the setback.
It’s easy to set unrealistic goals when trying to get back on your feet. But you’ll get more frustrated if you don’t achieve them.
Set achievable goals by focusing on what you’re good at. Once you complete these tasks, you’ll get a sense of accomplishment and a confidence boost. You should also celebrate small victories and reward yourself for motivation.
👉 Examine Your Professional Relationships
Your professional relationships can take a hit, especially if the situation around your demotion is public. Some people may distance themselves from you and avoid collaborating. Others may stop sharing content with you on social media and fail to invite you to industry events.
Repairing these relationships can help you redeem your career and reputation. Don’t hesitate to discuss your demotion when you meet people in your network. It’s not necessary to go into detail, but you shouldn’t seem avoidant or dismissive.
Reassure your network that you are still a valuable connection. Let other professionals know about your commitment to your new role. Mention the measures you are taking to improve and maintain your productivity during the change.
A demotion may be unrelated to your output or professionalism. For example, you may lose your role once your firm undergoes a merger or acquisition. In such a case, you should consider strengthening your network.
Connect with your new bosses and be diligent in your new role. Make a good first impression and engage them even outside work, provided it’s in appropriate settings. Doing this can cause them to notice and consider you for a better role in the company.
👉 Try to Stay Positive
Your attitude can influence how fast you bounce back after a demotion. It’s okay to feel discouraged, but you should let this affect how you treat your coworkers. You should try to be a valuable team member who encourages others and promotes collaboration.
Find unique ways to contribute to the workplace and bond with your new team. For example, volunteer for projects other employees don’t want to participate in. You may also offer solutions to problems affecting your department.
By maintaining a positive attitude, you improve how others see you. You also prove that you are resilient and optimistic. These qualities can eventually make you a good candidate for leadership roles.
👉 Be Persistent
Redeeming your career may take time, even after you use the right strategies. Your superiors may need you to prove yourself before giving you greater responsibilities. On the other hand, if you decide to look for a job elsewhere, potential employers might be skeptical about hiring you.
Patience and persistence will help you appreciate every step you take towards redemption. Meet your goals and exceed your employer’s expectations. Ask for regular performance reviews and act on the feedback provided by your superiors.
Examine your abilities and take courses that improve your expertise and enhance your soft skills. If you have a mentor, ask them for advice, apply it and assess yourself. You should also consider executive coaching to help you achieve your long-term career goals.
Embrace Your New Career Journey
Learning from your demotion and giving yourself grace will help you recover. Identify the factors that led to your situation and address them. Upskill and use your network to protect your reputation or access new opportunities. Once you apply such strategies, you can commit to new goals and save your career.
