We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our professional paths.
Two editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," a former editor states.
The two decided to say "let go" and believe that being transparent about the situation can aid you handle the event.
"People rely on so many euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to what you wish next," she adds.
Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one running a media business and the other serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, here are four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor highlights the value of introspection before embarking on a new job search.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Reviewing your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she adds.
A former editor states it is important to determine the role of work occupies in your life.
This involves being truthful about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your social and family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests against letting yourself be defined by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own business completely, building the venture while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that represented the method I used without risk," she explains.
She suggests a test-run approach.
This can include pro bono work, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to something different within your current team.
"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as a step towards your goal, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not permanent.
"That can be a clever approach for moving closer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
For anyone who has just left your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged significantly recently.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recall their intrinsic value."
The other editor was fired after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring job platforms and saving a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
