We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Land a New Job That Suits for You
The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our work lives.
Two editors who lost their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I poured everything into the position... I had faith in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," one of them says.
They both decided to employ the word "let go" and suggest that being open about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.
"There are numerous euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"That's the fast track to what you want to do next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading a media business and the other working as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have lost your job or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's common to have a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.
Reviewing your achievements to find common themes is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede the process," she notes.
She also says it is crucial to establish what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being honest about the amount of time you're working and the influence on your family and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your life be dictated by your career.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert states that individuals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to running her own business entirely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.
"It required a bit longer, however, that was my approach sustainably," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This could be volunteering, participating in a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a move towards your goal, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It means granting yourself the space to accept this works for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be an intelligent tactic for moving closer to that desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
If you've recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen significantly in recent times.
One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.
Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"Your experience doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's vital for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after a decade in a business journal due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring job platforms and saving several that appeal to you.
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