So you’ve had some problems. Maybe you’ve been laid off or downsized or made redundant, whatever they’re calling it this week. Perhaps your old employer fell victim to economic turmoil. What are you going to do about it? Find another job, obviously. But overcoming a career setback is easier said than done. Fortunately, we’re here to offer you some tips on how to do it.

1. Keep a positive attitude. Don’t wail and gnash your teeth and get bitter about how you’ve been mistreated. This happened to you and it sucks, now put it behind you. If you’re negative about it that’ll come across in interviews for new jobs. No one wants to spend every day with someone who’s angry or depressing, so be happy and hopeful about the future. It’s a handy self-fulfilling prophecy.

2. Build a network. Friends, family, old coworkers anyone you can think of. Yes, they might be able to point you to someone who has a job opening. But more importantly they provide you with the support you need to survive your situation and move forward.

3. Use what you’re good at. Most likely you’ve done a number of things in the course of your career. Look back over those things and find your strong suit. What did you like doing? What did you do really well? Now promote yourself in that area. If you choose well then getting canned could really be the best thing that happened to your career.

4. Study. Keep abreast of the latest trends and happenings in your field. This not only protects you from becoming obsolete but if you get laid off you’ll know which sectors are about to boom and can be there to take advantage of it. It’s a wonderful feeling to be one step ahead of the people who said they didn’t need you.

So you’ve had some problems. You’re in sticky spot at the moment, but you know what you’re going to do and the world ain’t gonna’ know what hit it.