We Got Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into that role... I had faith in the values we stood for. But in my case, those values didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to say "let go" and believe that being open about the situation can help you deal with the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the faster you can progress.
"That is the fast track to what you desire to do next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading a media business and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to have a bit low regarding your job following time off.
A career expert emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to just looking at the most recent period, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she notes.
Another professional says it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.
This requires being candid about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be defined by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The advisor says people can take small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to running a company completely, building the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.
"It took additional time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.
She advocates for an experimental approach.
This can include volunteering, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.
"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents a very smart approach to get nearer to a desired transition."
3. Remember Your Achievements
For anyone who has recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen to high levels in recent times.
One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.
Realizing that this did not reflect of her performance helped her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that seem appealing.
She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"What are {the words|the
