Bad experience has knocked my confidence

Question

I returned to the UK earlier this year after three fantastic years with a cruise line. During that time I shot through the ranks to second purser and picked up a lot of experience and knowledge. When I returned I had a definite goal of where I wanted to go and went after it. It took a while but eventually the job offers began coming in.

I took the position of operations manager in a hotel. I had a good meeting with the manager. She too was new to her position, but had been a deputy general manager at another hotel, and we hit it off well. I explained that I did not really have the experience for the position, but was advised that it was fine as I would receive training.

However, all in all it was not a very professionally run hotel and certainly not what I was used to. All this was found out too late, so I thought the best thing to do was to make the most of it and learn all I could.

After eight weeks I walked into work and was given a week's notice. Shocked, I asked why and was met with the reply that it was not working out. No indication was ever given that this was the case and this has certainly never happened to me before. I received the same response from the owner of the company and the managing director.

It has really knocked my confidence, more so than I first thought. I am now finding it increasingly difficult to move on with my career and am thinking of leaving this country again, although I really don't want to. No matter where I turn I am finding obstacles and wonder if this is still the route I should take. I have had some problems with recruitment agencies too. It appears that my skills are not required here. I find this country is lacking in good service and many establishments aren't as good as those in the USA. Can you offer me any advice?

What the expert says

David Goldfarb, director, MaydayExec

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I suggest that you change your mindset and then you may be surprised that more positive things happen for you. From the tone of your letter it would appear you have concluded that all is lost. If you choose to think this way, then you will only get what you expect. Your background in cruise liners should be no barrier, because the quality of these operations is high. It may worth finding a mentor who you can talk to about how you are feeling and how best to focus your attention. A reputable recruitment consultant should be able to guide you towards the appropriate career path. Á‚ Learn from the negatives and focus on the positives. Decide what your real goal is and I am sure you will be thinking more clearly about the future.