We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Secure a New Job That Fits for You
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," one of them remarks.
Both individuals decided to use the term "let go" and believe that being open about the situation can help you handle the experience.
"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're honest about it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to what you want to do next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one owning her own firm and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's common to experience some unease about work following time off.
A career expert stresses the importance of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that inspires or drains them.
Reviewing your past successes to find recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.
A former editor notes it is important to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being honest about the amount of time you devote to work and its impact on your family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests against letting yourself be defined by your work.
2. Implement Small Steps
She says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to move from a corporate role to operating a company entirely, building her project while still employed, which enabled financial stability.
"It needed additional time, but that was my approach sustainably," she says.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This can include pro bono work, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also advises looking into interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It involves granting yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"This is an intelligent tactic for moving nearer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
But this is a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests searching professional networks and saving a selection of that you like.
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