How to Guard Your Career from Professional Setbacks?

22nd July, 2025

How to Handle Career Disappointment?

We all know what heartbreak feels like, but career heartbreak is different. It goes beyond job disappointment; it is about losing connection with your role or industry. When your career no longer matches your identity, it can feel like your career heart is broken.

The Four Stages of Emotional Growth in Your Career -

A 2023 study from Copenhagen Business School identified four emotional stages in the career path of lawyers aiming for partnership. Although the survey was on lawyers, the results are applicable to all kinds of workers. These stages reflect a journey many professionals experience:

  • Anticipation and Excitement: Early in their careers, workers feel optimism, high hopes, and positive emotions as they start out.
  • Fear and Anxiety: As they near partnership consideration, uncertainty, and fear of failure set in.
  • Pride and Joy: After promotion, positive feelings return, along with a strong connection to the firm and its goals.
  • Disillusionment: Over time, pressure, long hours, and constant evaluation lead to disappointment when the reality does not meet expectations. This usually results in career heartbreak.

Shifting Career Paths After Facing Disillusionment

Imagine someone who has devoted years to a career in fossil fuels. They have earned degrees, built networks, gathered experience, and climbed the industry ladder. Over time, they grow disillusioned with the industry’s role in the climate crisis and lose faith that real change will happen. This feeling is a form of career heartbreak.

Recent research highlights a trend called ‘climate quitting,’ where fossil fuel workers leave long-term careers for sustainability reasons. Many become frustrated by greenwashing, which is false environmental promises without real action. This kind of disillusionment is not limited to fossil fuels. People across various fields experience it, whether due to personal growth, major industry shifts, or both. When the career workers once loved no longer align with their values or goals, it is natural to feel disconnected, despite years of dedication. Recognizing this can help you make thoughtful decisions about your career paths moving forward.

How to Prepare Before Career Heartbreak Hits -

To guard against future career heartbreak, try adding some variety to your career path. This way, you will have more options and will not rely on just one industry or employer for your job satisfaction.

1. Invest in Upskilling Early:

In your early to mid-career, focus on upskilling whenever possible. Say yes to promising training opportunities even if they are not directly related to your current role. For example, if your company offers courses on AI or new technologies, show interest. New skills can open doors to roles you have not considered yet. Just remember to be selective; you cannot say yes to everything.

2. Blend Work with Passions:

Bring your hobbies into your professional life. Whether it is writing, photography, or design, find ways to use these talents at work. Volunteer to be the event photographer or create engaging social media content. This not only makes your work more enjoyable but also highlights skills that could lead to exciting new projects.

3. Leverage Transferable Skills:

Use your existing skills to contribute beyond your job. If you are an accountant, consultant, or industry expert, consider joining nonprofit boards or community groups. Many organizations welcome members with diverse skills, even without prior board experience. You just have to show how your expertise adds value!

Having another source of career satisfaction can help soften the blow if you start feeling disconnected during different stages of your career. But if that disconnection turns into full-blown disillusionment, you might be facing a career mid-life crisis. So, what now? If bouncing back is not possible, it may be time to make a real shift. It will be just like the climate quitters who walked away from long-held roles in search of something more meaningful!

Tags: How to Handle Career Disappointment, How to Deal with Disappointment in Career