We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Fits for You
A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I invested my heart into the position... I believed in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being open about what happened can assist you handle it.
"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to what you desire to do next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running her own firm and the other serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are just looking for a new career, consider these four methods that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to have some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a new job search.
She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Examining your past successes to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she states.
A former editor notes it is vital to determine the role of work plays in your life.
This requires being truthful about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your social and family life.
After being let go, she advises against letting yourself be defined by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor states that individuals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a traditional job to managing her own business completely, working on her idea while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she comments.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be volunteering, participating in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different at your present job.
"If it fails, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also advises looking into interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress forward, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact field.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart strategy for getting closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged markedly lately.
A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability helped her process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own worth."
Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
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