We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Fits Your Needs
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that involves considering our work lives.
A pair of editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.
"I invested my heart into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," a former editor says.
Both individuals decided to say "fired" and believe that being transparent about what happened can help you handle it.
"We use so many soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to anything you want to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one owning her own firm and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been laid off or are considering a shift, here are four approaches that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.
A career expert stresses the importance of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes can also help. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
Another professional notes it is vital to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social life.
After being let go, she advises not allowing your life be dictated by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
The expert says people can make small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating a company completely, developing her idea alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She advocates for a test-run method.
This could be volunteering, participating in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you find out you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to say this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a clever tactic for moving nearer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your role, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have increased to high levels recently.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously her entire team lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search to only job descriptions that seem appealing.
She recommends exploring professional networks and gathering several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
