We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our professional paths.
Two editors who left their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested everything into the position... I had faith in the principles we promoted. But in my case, those values were absent," one of them states.
They both opted to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being open about what happened can assist you handle it.
"There are countless soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can progress.
"That's the direct path to whatever you desire next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one owning her own firm and the other serving as top editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four approaches that can help.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's natural to experience a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.
A careers coach emphasizes the importance of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.
She suggests people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes can also help. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she states.
A former editor notes it is crucial to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing your identity be defined by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can make small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to move from a traditional job to managing her own business entirely, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took additional time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She suggests an experimental approach.
This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to a different task in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, though not in the exact field.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart tactic for getting nearer to that desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
If you've just left your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased significantly lately.
One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her performance helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
If you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She suggests searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
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