Overcoming Setbacks

from the Wall Street Journal

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  By ALEXANDRA LEVIT

  
  

It's
not uncommon to hear a career changer's story and find it's marked with
a major setback prior to a successful reinvention. Often, such a
setback is a catalyst for change. But in reality, it may be more
jarring to experience misfortune after a period of achievement -- just
when you least expect it.

Thirty-six-year-old Mrinal Desai gave up everything -- a high-paying
sales career in India, a prestigious professional network and all his
family and friends -- to get an M.B.A. in the U.S. and then try his
hand at information-technology product innovation.

When Mr. Desai was accepted to the Monterey Institute of
International Studies in Monterey, Calif., he thought he had overcome a
major obstacle. Little did he know that, for him, the American dream
would mean a post-graduation period of unemployment and hardship.

Overcoming Rejection

But over three years, the more
rejection Mr. Desai received, the stronger his resolve became. "I
wanted to work at LinkedIn, but their co-founder said they weren't
hiring. I eventually persuaded him to let me come on board, and I
helped them grow from 1.5 million to 6.5 million users," he says.

Mr. Desai says his setback was the best thing that happened to him.
"Without being pushed against the wall, I would not have stretched
myself and seen what I was really capable of."

Indeed, after working for two years at LinkedIn, Mr. Desai left to
start a company. His computer-support start-up, CrossLoop, just
received $9 million in venture-capital funding and an innovation award
from Laptop magazine.

When your career dream is finally in your grasp but you suddenly feel it slipping away, how should you cope?

First, don't do anything rash. Take a few days to recover and
acknowledge your negative feelings about the situation. Remind yourself
that your career doesn't define you, and that one setback doesn't make
your reinvention effort a total failure.

Ignore Naysayers

It's also important to recognize what
you've accomplished up to this point. "We're good at achievement, but
not at appreciating that achievement," says Tim Ferriss, who
experienced stumbling blocks including a harsh relationship breakup and
dozens of rejections on his way to becoming a successful entrepreneur
and author of "The Four Hour Work Week." "You can get a better
perspective by writing down all of the impossible things you've already
overcome," he advises.

While it may be tempting to isolate yourself, after the necessary
self-reflection you should go back into the world and allow the people
you care about to support you through this time. "I recommend long
dinners with at least two friends. They can provide fresh ideas and
help you see things more clearly," says Mr. Ferriss. You should,
however, be careful who you take advice from. "Ignore naysayers unless
they've specifically done what you're trying to do," he says.

Finally, get your dream back on track by launching a new project or
trying a new approach. It will boost your motivation and keep you from
ruminating too long on the setback.

Please send your career questions to reinvent@wsj.com. Alexandra Levit will answer some in the paper and online at WSJ.com/Careers