We Were Let Go, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Secure a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that includes evaluating our career trajectories.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.
"I invested everything into that role... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, that ethos were absent," one of them says.
The two chose to employ the word "fired" and believe that being open about the situation can help you deal with the experience.
"There are countless alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the fast track to anything you wish to do next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, these are four strategies to assist you.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's common to experience a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the importance of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.
Reviewing your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
She also notes it is important to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This requires being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your family and family life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing yourself be defined by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The advisor states that individuals can make incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to running her own business full-time, building her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she comments.
She recommends a test-run strategy.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for moving nearer to your desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly lately.
One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance helped her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everyone to recall their own value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal after a change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking what suits you.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – focusing your search down to role profiles that capture your interest.
She advises exploring professional networks and saving a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
