We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Secure a New Job That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes considering our professional paths.
A pair of editors who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.
"I poured my heart into the job... I had faith in the values we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," a former editor says.
They both opted to use the term "let go" and argue that being transparent about the situation can help you handle it.
"There are numerous soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the faster you can advance.
"That is the direct path to anything you desire next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one owning her own firm and the other serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, here are four methods for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to have a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A careers coach stresses the value of looking back prior to launching a new job search.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your past successes to find common themes can also help. "Try not to just looking at the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she states.
She also says it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your family life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be defined by your job.
2. Make Small Steps
The advisor notes that professionals can make incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself took several years to move from a corporate role to managing her own business completely, working on her idea alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It required more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.
Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart approach to get nearer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Achievements
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged significantly lately.
A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, previously her entire team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."
The other editor was let go after a decade with a finance publication after a change in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that seem appealing.
She suggests browsing job platforms and saving a selection of that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
