We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," she states.
Both individuals decided to use the term "let go" and believe that being open about it can aid you handle it.
"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That's the direct path to anything you want next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one running her own firm and another holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, here are four strategies for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's typical to have some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder the process," she states.
She also notes it is important to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being candid about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your personal life.
After being let go, she advises against letting yourself be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert notes that professionals can make small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to transition from her corporate career to running her own company full-time, building the venture while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she says.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a different task in your existing role.
"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It's about granting yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't for all time.
"That represents a clever tactic for getting closer to a desired transition."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have risen markedly in recent times.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team lost their jobs when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this was not indicative of her performance allowed her to cope with the situation.
"What you've learned remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
Another professional was fired after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that sound interesting.
She recommends exploring professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
