We Got Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Find a New Role That Works for You
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," a former editor remarks.
They both decided to employ the word "let go" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can assist you deal with the experience.
"We use so many soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"It's the direct path to what you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one running her own media company and the other serving as lead editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, these are four strategies to assist you.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's natural to have some unease concerning your career after a holiday break.
A career expert emphasizes the importance of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Examining your achievements to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she notes.
Another professional notes it is vital to decide where your work plays in your life.
This involves being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing yourself be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can make incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to managing her own business entirely, developing the venture while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It required more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She recommends a test-run strategy.
This could be volunteering, joining a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also encourages exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents a very smart tactic for getting much closer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged markedly in recent times.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this was not a reflection of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to remember their own worth."
The other editor lost her job after a decade in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – overlooking what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She suggests browsing job platforms and gathering several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
