We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Learn How to Land a Fresh Position That Fits for You
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our work lives.
Two editors who left their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested my heart into the position... I trusted in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," a former editor states.
They both decided to say "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about it can assist you process the experience.
"People rely on so many alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the direct path to anything you desire to pursue next," she notes.
Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one running a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been laid off or are just contemplating a change, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to have some apprehension concerning your career following time off.
A career expert highlights the importance of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Looking back at your achievements to find underlying threads can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct the process," she notes.
Another professional notes it is crucial to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your personal and family life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing your life be dictated by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can implement small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
She required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company completely, working on the venture alongside her job, which meant she could pay herself.
"It needed more time, however, that was my approach without risk," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.
This could be volunteering, getting involved in an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now than after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a move in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact area.
"It involves allowing yourself the permission to accept this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"This is a very smart approach for moving nearer to your desired transition."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently lost your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have surged markedly recently.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her performance assisted her handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – overlooking your own happiness.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She recommends browsing professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that you like.
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