We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Suits for You
The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I poured my heart into the position... I trusted in the ethos we championed. But in my case, those values didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
They both opted to say "fired" and argue that being open about it can help you deal with the experience.
"People rely on so many soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire next," she notes.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one running her own firm and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, these are four approaches that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to experience some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of looking back before starting the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your accomplishments to find underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
A former editor states it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your personal life.
After being let go, she advises against letting your identity be shaped solely by your work.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself required a long period to move from a traditional job to running her own business completely, working on her idea alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, but that was how I did it sustainably," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.
This might involve volunteering, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also encourages considering interim roles. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as a move forward, such as a role with parallels to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy to get closer to a career change."
3. Recall Your Successes
If you've recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen to high levels lately.
One professional was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.
"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own worth."
Another professional was let go after ten years in a business journal after a change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.
She emphasizes that much of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that seem appealing.
She advises exploring professional networks and gathering a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
