We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a New Role That Fits for You
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," she says.
The two opted to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being open about it can aid you process the event.
"We use numerous euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"That is the fast track to what you want next," she notes.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one running a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, these are four methods for guidance.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's natural to experience some apprehension about work following time off.
A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Looking back at your past successes to identify common themes can also help. "Try not to just looking at the last month, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she adds.
A former editor notes it is important to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your personal life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing yourself be defined by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
The advisor notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from her corporate career to operating a company full-time, developing her idea while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It needed additional time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she comments.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve volunteering, joining a work project that captures your interest, or accepting something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to your target field, but in a different area.
"It means giving yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy for moving closer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Successes
Should you have recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased markedly recently.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her skills helped her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's vital for everybody to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was fired after a decade at a financial magazine after a change in management and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – disregarding personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.
She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
