We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits for You
The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.
Two editors who lost their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," one of them remarks.
Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being honest about the situation can assist you deal with the experience.
"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.
"It's the fast track to what you want next," she notes.
Currently, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading a media business and another holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, these are four methods for guidance.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's common to experience some unease about work following time off.
A career expert emphasizes the value of looking back prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and what motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to spot underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can impede the process," she notes.
She also says it is important to decide what place your job occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you spend working and its impact on your personal and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises preventing your life be dictated by your work.
2. Make Small Steps
She states that individuals can implement small steps towards a career shift without committing fully.
She required a long period to transition from her corporate career to managing a company entirely, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, however, that was my approach without risk," she comments.
She recommends a test-run method.
This can include pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as a move in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to say this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart strategy to get closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly in recent times.
She was the top editor at a style magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this was not indicative of her skills allowed her to handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
Another professional was let go after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.
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