We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a Fresh Position That Suits for You
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.
"I poured my heart into the job... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos were absent," a former editor states.
They both decided to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about what happened can assist you deal with it.
"There are countless soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can progress.
"It's the quickest route to anything you desire to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one owning her own media company and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
If you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's typical to have a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of reflection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.
Examining your accomplishments to find common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid considering only the recent past, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder the process," she notes.
She also notes it is vital to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This means being truthful about how much time you're working and its impact on your personal life.
Following her job loss, she suggests preventing your identity be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert says people can take small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a traditional job to operating her own company full-time, building her idea alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.
"It required a bit longer, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This might involve volunteering, participating in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge 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 committed fully," she states.
She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same area.
"It means giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart tactic to get nearer to that career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen to high levels in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her skills helped her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's important for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that sound interesting.
She advises searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.
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