We Were Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.
They both chose to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can aid you process it.
"There are countless euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the quickest route to anything you desire next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one owning her own firm and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
Whether you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to feel some unease concerning your career following time off.
A career expert stresses the value of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests people to consider what they want to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Examining your achievements to spot common themes can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor says it is important to determine the role of work plays in your life.
This involves being truthful regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she recommends against letting your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor states that individuals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing a company entirely, developing the venture alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It took a bit longer, but that was how I did it sustainably," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a step towards your goal, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means allowing yourself the space to accept this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent approach for getting much closer to a new career."
3. Remember Your Successes
For anyone who has just left your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen to high levels lately.
One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her skills assisted her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everybody to remember their own value."
The other editor lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She advises searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
