We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for many, that includes considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.
"I dedicated everything into the job... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," she remarks.
Both individuals decided to use the term "fired" and argue that being transparent about what happened can help you deal with the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to anything you desire next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in different roles, where one running her own media company and the other working as top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are contemplating a change, consider these four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's typical to feel a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor highlights the importance of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She advises people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes their energy.
Examining your past successes to spot common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can impede the process," she adds.
Another professional states it is crucial to determine where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing a company entirely, building the venture while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests an experimental strategy.
This could be volunteer work, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It means allowing yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be a very smart strategy to get much closer to your career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged markedly in recent times.
One professional was the top editor at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability assisted her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was fired after a decade in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – overlooking what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "scanning" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that seem appealing.
She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that you like.
"Identify {the words|the