We Were Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a New Role That Suits You Personally
A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into that role... I believed in the ethos we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them states.
They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about the situation can assist you handle the event.
"There are numerous euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest about it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four methods that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's typical to have some unease about work following time off.
A career expert stresses the importance of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.
She advises professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she states.
She also says it is vital to decide where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its impact on your family and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises against letting your identity be dictated by your job.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The expert says people can make small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company full-time, working on her project concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It required additional time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she says.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It means allowing yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That represents an intelligent approach for moving closer to a new career."
3. Recall Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen significantly in recent times.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were made redundant after the company closed the print version.
Recognizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was let go after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting several that appeal to you.
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