We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Learn How to Land a New Role That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into the position... I trusted in the values we championed. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor says.
Both individuals decided to employ the word "fired" and argue that being open about it can assist you handle it.
"We use countless alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the fast track to anything you wish to do next," she continues.
Today, they are excelling in new ventures, with one running her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, here are four approaches that can help.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A professional advisor highlights the value of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains them.
Examining your achievements to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede your judgment," she states.
A former editor notes it is vital to establish where your work plays in your life.
This involves being honest about how much time you spend working and the influence on your social and social life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your life be defined by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company completely, working on the venture while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It required a bit longer, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.
She advocates for an experimental approach.
This might involve volunteering, joining a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also advises considering interim roles. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a step towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It's about giving yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is a very smart strategy for moving closer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased markedly lately.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.
Understanding that this did not reflect of her ability assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job after a decade in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that much of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – focusing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.
She advises exploring job platforms and saving a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
