We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Find a New Job That Works for You
A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
Two editors who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured all my energy into that role... I trusted in the values we championed. But in my case, those principles were absent," a former editor remarks.
Both individuals opted to use the term "fired" and argue that being honest about the situation can aid you deal with the event.
"People rely on so many soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're honest about it, the faster you can advance.
"It's the quickest route to what you wish next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one running a media business and the other working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've been laid off or are contemplating a change, here are four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to have some apprehension about work following time off.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Examining your achievements to identify recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the last month, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
Another professional says it is crucial to determine the role of work fits in your life.
This involves being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your family life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your career.
2. Make Small Steps
The advisor states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.
She took several years to transition from a corporate role to operating a company entirely, building her project while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required a bit longer, but that was the method I used without risk," she says.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.
This can include volunteer work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It involves giving yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean permanent.
"This is a clever tactic for getting much closer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Successes
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly in recent times.
One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your power, it's vital for all individuals to recall their own value."
The other editor was let go after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of a new editor.
She stresses that so much of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.
But this is a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that seem promising.
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