We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into that role... I had faith in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," she states.
The two decided to use the term "fired" and argue that being transparent about it can assist you process the event.
"We use so many alternative phrases for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the fast track to anything you want to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one owning her own firm and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to experience some apprehension regarding your job following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of reflection before starting the search for a new role.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors motivates or depletes them.
Examining your achievements to spot common themes can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
She also states it is crucial to decide what place your job occupies in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your social life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Small Steps
She notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to move from her corporate career to running her own business entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, but that represented how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be volunteering, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also encourages exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a move forward, like a job with parallels to your desired career, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the permission to say this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is a very smart approach to get much closer to your new career."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently lost your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.
A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, previously she were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.
"Your experience remains with you just because you were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in management and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that so much of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that feeling forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends exploring professional networks and collecting several that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
