We Were Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our professional paths.
Two editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," one of them says.
They both chose to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about what happened can aid you handle it.
"We use countless soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the direct path to anything you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one owning her own media company and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are considering a shift, here are four approaches that can help.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to have some unease concerning your career following time off.
A careers coach stresses the value of introspection before embarking on a new job search.
She suggests individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains them.
Reviewing your past successes to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the recent past, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.
A former editor says it is important to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This involves being candid regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social life.
Following her job loss, she advises not allowing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The advisor says people can make incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.
She herself required a long period to transition from a corporate role to managing a company full-time, developing the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a test-run approach.
This could be volunteering, participating in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as a move towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same field.
"It involves giving yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is a clever approach for moving nearer to a career change."
3. Recall Your Achievements
For anyone who has recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly recently.
She was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills helped her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were dismissed.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She suggests searching professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that you like.
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