We Got Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Suits Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.
Two editors who lost their roles due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated my heart into the position... I trusted in the principles we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
They both decided to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about the situation can help you deal with it.
"People rely on countless euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the direct path to whatever you want to do next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one running her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been laid off or are considering a shift, these are four approaches for guidance.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's common to experience some unease about work following time off.
A professional advisor highlights the importance of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what they want less of, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Reviewing your achievements to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she states.
Another professional says it is important to establish what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your social life.
After being let go, she advises against letting your life be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The advisor notes that professionals can implement small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She required a long period to transition from a traditional job to operating a company entirely, developing her project alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be pro bono work, joining a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.
"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also advises exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, but in a different area.
"It's about granting yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"That can be a very smart tactic for moving much closer to your career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen to high levels in recent times.
One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own value."
The other editor was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for work or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that capture your interest.
She advises browsing professional networks and saving a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
