We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a New Role That Fits You Personally
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
Both individuals decided to use the term "let go" and believe that being open about what happened can aid you process it.
"We use numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're honest about it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the direct path to what you desire to pursue next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, where one running her own firm and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, consider these four methods that can help.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to experience a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.
A career expert emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes them.
Reviewing your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.
Another professional states it is vital to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing your life be defined by your job.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She required a long period to transition from a traditional job to running her own company completely, building the venture while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she explains.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This can include volunteer work, joining a work project that interests you, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as progress forward, like a job with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact area.
"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.
"This is a clever tactic for moving much closer to your new career."
3. Remember Your Successes
If you've recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was fired after ten years in a business journal after a change in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
4. Build a Career Checklist
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking your own happiness.
But this is a major error.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
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