We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Suits You Personally
A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.
"I dedicated everything into the position... I believed in the values we stood for. But in my case, those principles weren't there," she remarks.
They both opted to say "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about what happened can help you process the event.
"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the direct path to what you wish to do next," she notes.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, where one leading her own media company and another holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been laid off or are looking for a new career, consider these four strategies that can help.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's typical to feel some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the importance of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains them.
Looking back at your achievements to identify underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder the process," she adds.
Another professional notes it is crucial to establish where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your social and family life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She states that individuals can make small steps towards a career shift without committing fully.
She herself required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own business full-time, building her project concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.
She suggests a test-run approach.
This might involve pro bono work, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or accepting something different in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as progress forward, for example a position with parallels to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy to get closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly lately.
She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.
She notes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."
4. Create a Job Search List
When you're urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She advises exploring professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
