Upright Meaning:
In a career reading, the Three of Swords can indicate conflict in the workplace or disillusionment in your job or current career path. You could have been the subject of gossip or bullying at work, which is disrupting your ability to do your job. You may have even lost your job.
When this card shows up, it is asking you to at least begin to examine the wounding that has come up around a particular situation, so think of ways that you can begin to heal from this. Is it time for a new job? In a financial reading, the Three of Swords depicts the loss of income, especially in an emotional context, such as divorce.
Reversed Meaning:
In a career spread, the Three of Swords in reverse can signal a movement toward reconciliation with a coworker or company or a tense situation coming to a close. It can also mean that hard feelings are becoming harder, and tension can be swelling to a bursting point.
With regard to finances, the Three of Swords reversed shows that there is a great deal of fear and anxiety around your financial situation, perhaps due to a previous issue or time of financial trouble. When things get to this point, it is often a sign that the tension is about to release, so just keep an eye on things and try not to worry too much.