We Got Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a New Role That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.
Two editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the position... I believed in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," she says.
They both opted to say "let go" and suggest that being open about what happened can aid you deal with it.
"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"It's the direct path to anything you want to do next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one owning a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, here are four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's typical to have some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to find common themes is useful too. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she adds.
A former editor says it is crucial to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This involves being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family life.
After being let go, she advises not allowing your life be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Small Steps
She states that individuals can make small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
She required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to running a company full-time, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that represented the method I used without risk," she explains.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting something different at your present job.
"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same field.
"It means granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"This is a very smart strategy to get nearer to that career change."
3. Recall Your Successes
For anyone who has recently lost your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen to high levels recently.
One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."
The other editor lost her job after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma of job loss is internal.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search to only position summaries that seem appealing.
She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that seem promising.
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