Suffering from a career setback can be one of life’s most traumatic events. For many, after years of professional success, a big career disappointment such as getting fired or being passed over for a promotion may be their first taste of failure.

People might sink into anger or denial, blaming situational factors or company politics. Though that’s a natural response, it can also prevent them from breaking free of the destructive behaviours that may have derailed them in the first place.

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Picture this scenario: you’ve received an offer for a job you’ll enjoy, but the salary is lower than you think you deserve. You ask your potential boss whether he/she has any flexibility. “We typically don’t hire people with your background, and we have a different culture here,” he/she responds. “This job isn’t just about the money. Are you saying you won’t take it unless we increase the pay?” As a consultant I frequently advise professionals on navigating this terrain. Deepak Malhotra (HBS professor) came up with some rules to guide you in negotiating with employers.

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You probably aspire to have purpose or meaning in your career, but are you actually taking practical steps to make sure you’re doing something you genuinely care about?

You just need to know how to make the job decisions that lead to satisfaction. “We look for things that we’re proud to talk about at a cocktail party or that look good on a résumé”, says Nathaniel Koloc, the CEO of ReWork. But rarely are those the things that translate to happiness. Here are principles you can follow to build a professional life you don’t just enjoy, but love.

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