I recently experienced a tough setback in my career when I was let go at the end of my 6-month probation period as a Data Analyst at a large international company. I had transitioned from a background in sports science to data analytics, gaining some experience in professional football and then moving into a corporate role in marketing. I was excited about this new position, which offered a good salary and an interesting industry, but I struggled to meet the expectations set for me. During my probation, my manager provided feedback early on, indicating that I needed to show more ownership and improve my business understanding. While I made progress, I felt that the role was ultimately a stretch for my level of experience. In the last two weeks of my probation, I noticed a drop in communication and workload, which left me feeling uneasy. When HR and my manager informed me that they wouldn't renew my contract, they mentioned that they had hoped for someone more senior, acknowledging that it was partly their mistake to hire someone with my level of experience for such a demanding role. Now, I'm left feeling lost and questioning what I could have done differently. I wonder if I should have requested more frequent check-ins or a mid-probation review. I'm also grappling with the disappointment and fear of not finding another suitable job, especially since I have only 1.5 years of corporate experience in data analytics. I'm considering whether I should target more junior roles moving forward or continue aiming for mid-level positions. Ideally, I would love to return to the sports industry, but I'm applying to various sectors to widen my opportunities. I'm seeking advice on how to overcome this experience and what steps I can take to improve my chances in the job market.