It is extremely crushing to anyone's spirits to undergo two job losses within a year. Do not let this experience diminish your sense of security and optimism. Instead focus on what you possess: your health, family and knowledge. Remember that life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes, the unfortunate events that happen to us are not a result of our own doing but are caused by external factors. Maintain a positive outlook.

Infuse yourself with enthusiasm and you will find the energy and creativity to tackle the job search before you.

Use this time to carefully assess your career and plan your next steps. Reflect on your past decisions and work history. Do you wish to remain in the IT field? Perhaps there is too much competition in your particular field of expertise. Is your work experience transferable to another industry? Have your interests changed throughout the years? Are they reflected in your career aspirations? Review your options and analyze your strengths to determine your next course of action.

Sometimes we can rush into a new job without realizing that we are in over our heads. Evaluate your last job as a VP and ask yourself the difficult questions. Did you push yourself into your last position because you were frantic from the first job loss in November? You had indicated your lack of confidence. Maybe it's time to return to a career that you are more familiar and comfortable with.

To go backward is usually looked upon as a defeat. It means admitting you could not succeed in the higher level of competence. People have different strengths and weaknesses. We have to be able to accept that we cannot be all things to all people. By returning to your former positions, you may find that you can become valuable to your company … and to yourself again.