Turn Your Failure into Success
Nicole Gunn • April 30, 2021
If you think you have never failed at something you are either lying to yourself or you haven’t really tried anything beyond your comfort zone. Sometimes you need to take risks – and with risk comes the chance of failure.
Making mistakes is part of life and it is your mistakes that will help you grow as a person. When things don’t go to plan, take the opportunity to reflect on what you did so that you can do better next time.
The number one rule is to take responsibility – own your mistakes. Don’t play the blame game “it was this person’s fault that this happened”. Look at your actions – what did you do, or say, or what did you not do or say? Learn the lessons for next time.
When I was working as a manager in retail, I took a risk. I left my permanent position for a casual role as a resourcer in recruitment in the hope that it would eventually lead to a better career. Now let’s break that down - I left a full-time high-paying retail job for a lower-paying casual job. Many of my friends said I was crazy.
One day, I was let go from this role on the spot with no warning. The joys of being a casual!
“Great,” I thought. “Now what do I do?”. I reflected:
Did I do something wrong?
What could I have done better?
What are the positives I could take from this?
One thing I got from that position was more experience, for which I am thankful. If I hadn’t taken the risk, left my permanent role, put my recruitment “L” plates on and gained some experience, I wouldn’t have that extra skillset that people2people were looking for. Sometimes one door needs to close so you can open the door on a new opportunity.
Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people
Australia
I United Kingdom
In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.
Recent articles
Over half of UK employees would consider quitting if they discovered their employer was monitoring them, according to recent research. With 85% of businesses admitting to tracking screen activity and website usage, employee trust is at risk. In this blog, people2people’s UK Managing Director Liz Jones explores the impact of surveillance on workplace culture, stress, and retention. Learn how to strike the right balance between oversight and autonomy, with practical strategies to build a trust-first culture that supports both performance and wellbeing. Is your business protecting productivity—or pushing your top talent away? Read more to find out.
With the new financial year underway, UK businesses are reassessing hiring strategies and tax planning to maximise savings and ensure compliance. In this blog, people2people’s UK Managing Director Liz Jones speaks with Senior Consultant Maddy Laing about smarter workforce planning, contractor compliance, and aligning staffing with business goals. We also explore practical tax tips to avoid an EOFY hangover—covering recordkeeping, deductions, and super contributions. Learn how to get ahead with a proactive approach that reduces costs, avoids risk, and drives growth from day one. Are you setting your business up for a smarter, more strategic year ahead? Read more to find out.
Employee recognition is no longer just a ‘nice to have’—it’s a strategic necessity. In the UK, 54% of organisations now prioritise regular appreciation, with recognised employees 8x more likely to feel a sense of belonging and 5x more likely to stay. Businesses with strong recognition cultures see 87% lower burnout rates, improving morale and retention. Simple, consistent praise—whether through team meetings, milestones, or digital platforms—can boost engagement. Are you doing enough to recognise your employees and keep them motivated? Read our latest blog to find out how to build a culture of appreciation.
In 2025, graphic design interviews are about more than creativity—employers want problem-solvers, strong communicators, and adaptable professionals. A standout portfolio should showcase process, not just final designs, with 4-6 high-quality projects. Candidates must be ready to explain their design decisions, handle client feedback, and demonstrate technical skills in Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, and Revit. Soft skills like communication and collaboration are just as vital as software proficiency. Want to know how to structure your portfolio and answer key interview questions to land your dream design job? Read our latest blog for expert insights and tips.
Job seekers are under increasing pressure to stand out, leading many to exaggerate their CVs. However, with AI-driven background checks, dishonesty can ruin career prospects. Instead of taking shortcuts, focus on tailoring your CV, highlighting skills, and leveraging networking to secure roles authentically. Employers value transparency, and a strategic approach to job searching will always outweigh the risks of deception. Want to know the best ways to strengthen your job application while staying honest? Read on to discover expert insights and actionable tips to help you land your next opportunity with integrity!
