It was another time and another recession. The company I worked for was in deep trouble and the air of uncertainty was debilitating for each and every employee. I had many sleepless nights and felt that my options were limited. You may be in a similar situation. You may be thinking that there is no way out of your current predicament. But things can and do change. In my case, a call came from a head hunter regarding an extraordinary job opportunity. I quickly arranged a meeting with the hiring manager and his immediate comment was, “I don’t know who sent you here but your background is perfect for this opening. I would like to make arrangements for you to meet with a number of our executives and a few potential peers.”

I was so excited that I started to clean out my office. I went through a number of additional interviews and with each one I grew more confident. This was my dream job. The right salary, a perfect fit in terms of responsibilities and a company that had a prestigious reputation. Then a second call came from the head hunter, “You will not be getting an offer. Quite frankly, the chemistry between you and the last person who interviewed you was not good.”

Now what was I to do? My current job was extremely vulnerable and the country was in the middle of a serious recession. If I lost my job, how would I support myself? This was a difficult time for me.

The motivational author Napoleon Hill has written, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” How true this is. Several months latter, my employer offered an early retirement package to all who met age and seniority policy. To my astonishment, I met the requirements and soon after left the organization and started my coaching firm, M. J. Campbell Associates. Fifteen years latter, the country is in another recession, but this time I’m teaching two graduate courses at Harvard, have published two books, have over 100 articles on my website, and business is reasonably good. None of this would have happened without the previous recession and the specific job rejection. So, what are the lessons learned from all of this?

• Never give up on yourself.

  Even in the midst of a recession, stop and write down your career goals. Do something every day that will move you closer to your goal. It may be only making a networking call, buying a book associated with your field or sending an email to set up a meeting with someone who has already done what you would like to do.

• Surround yourself with supportive friends.

  In times of crisis, we need to be able to draw on the strength of others. People will understand your situation. In his wonderful new book, The Noticer, Andy Andrews writes, “All lives are either in crisis, coming out of crisis or headed for a crisis.” Countless people were helpful during the early days of my business. I could not have succeeded without these generous individuals.

• Don’t be afraid to take a risk

  Not crazy risks, but risks that align with your goals and dreams. As John F. Kennedy stated many years ago, “There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” Put a plan together. Include the problems you can solve for clients, how much you would like to make, who is the competition, how will you market your goods or services, what are your current and projected expenses, and what will make you unique in the eyes of your prospects. Take this plan to trusted friends and allies and be open to their feedback.

Yes these are difficult times, but they may also hold “the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”