We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a Fresh Position That Fits Your Needs
The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated everything into the job... I had faith in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," a former editor says.
The two chose to say "dismissed" and believe that being honest about it can help you deal with the event.
"There are so many soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the fast track to whatever you want next," she notes.
Currently, they are excelling in new positions, where one running her own media company and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been made redundant or are considering a shift, here are four methods to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to experience some apprehension about work following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes can also help. "Try not to considering only the recent past, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
Another professional states it is important to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This means being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its impact on your social and social life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be shaped solely by your career.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert states that individuals can implement small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating her own company entirely, developing her idea alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that was the method I used without risk," she says.
She recommends a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they serve as progress forward, like a job with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same field.
"It means allowing yourself the space to accept this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That can be an intelligent approach for moving closer to a new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
Should you have recently lost your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were laid off when the firm closed the print version.
Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – focusing your search on role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
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