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Just as in any industry, a few bad days here and there are inevitable at IT jobs.  IT recruiters, IT contractors, and IT managers alike all have tough days at work now and then.  The thing that separates truly great IT consultants from average or poor ones is how they handle these bad days at work—particularly if they have reports. Tackling bad news or a lost client gracefully is the kind of thing that almost beats out sparkling resumes.  Here’s how to do that:

1. Keep it quiet.  Venting about a problem at work won’t do you, your reports, or your managers any favors.  Better to save the venting for home and focus on just getting the issue resolved.  Keeping a positive attitude in the face of hardship will absolutely get noticed by IT headhunters, coworkers, reports, and managers, so why not do it?

2. Take a quick mental- or physical- vacation to calm yourself if needed.  Keep a few funny videos, articles, or websites stored in your phone or on your computer (depending on office policy) for some comedic relief.  Use them when you’re having a rough time.  Or go for a walk outside if you can.  Whatever method you use, calming yourself will make it much easier to focus on fixing the problem, rather than fighting through your own emotional response to it.

3. Avoid others until you are no longer NSFW- particularly any of your bosses.  Better not to risk taking frustrations out on others, because this will be remembered, too.  (Take this advice into consideration if you ever notice others at work having a bad day, too!  If a coworker or boss has some kind of personal or work-related issue going on, try to tactfully steer clear until it’s resolved.)