We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits Your Needs
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes considering our work lives.
A pair of editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.
"I dedicated my heart into the position... I believed in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," one of them says.
Both individuals decided to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about the situation can assist you process the event.
"We use numerous euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"It's the quickest route to what you wish to do next," she adds.
Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one owning her own media company and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four strategies to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to have some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.
A professional advisor highlights the importance of introspection before starting a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to identify underlying threads can also help. "Try not to just looking at the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
A former editor says it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be dictated by your job.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert says people can take incremental moves towards changing careers without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to move from a corporate role to managing her own company completely, building her idea while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took more time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she says.
She recommends a test-run strategy.
This could be volunteer work, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as a move towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means granting yourself the permission to say this works for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"This is a clever approach to get much closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've just left your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged to high levels lately.
A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her performance assisted her handle the transition.
"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 recall their own value."
Her colleague was let go after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.
She recommends searching job platforms and saving several that appeal to you.
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