We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our professional paths.
Two editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations initially felt it was a disaster.
"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I believed in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," a former editor remarks.
The two chose to say "fired" and suggest that being honest about what happened can help you handle the event.
"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the quickest route to anything you want next," she notes.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning her own firm and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, consider these four approaches for guidance.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's typical to have some unease concerning your career post-festive period.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of introspection before starting the search for a new role.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find common themes can also help. "Try not to just looking at the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
Another professional states it is vital to determine the role of work occupies in your life.
This involves being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she suggests preventing yourself be defined by your job.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The advisor says people can take small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from a traditional job to managing her own business full-time, building the venture alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, but that represented how I did it without risk," she says.
She suggests an experimental approach.
This might involve volunteering, participating in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now than after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to say this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That represents a clever approach to get nearer to a career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
If you've recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged significantly lately.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"Your experience remains with you just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to remember their own value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
But this is a major error.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring job platforms and gathering several that seem promising.
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