We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Find a New Role That Works for You
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.
Two editors who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into that role... I trusted in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them remarks.
Both individuals opted to use the term "fired" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can help you process it.
"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the quicker you can progress.
"It's the quickest route to whatever you want to pursue next," she continues.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, where one owning her own firm and the other serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, here are four methods to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Reviewing your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor notes it is important to decide where your work fits in your life.
This means being honest about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your family and family life.
After being let go, she advises not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The expert states that individuals can take small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
She required a long period to move from a traditional job to running a company full-time, building her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for a test-run method.
This can include volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or accepting something different within your current team.
"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.
She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress forward, for example a position that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It involves giving yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't for all time.
"That represents a very smart strategy for getting much closer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've just left your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly in recent times.
She was the top editor at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"Your experience remains with you simply due to lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own value."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that capture your interest.
She suggests searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
