We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for many, that involves thinking about our professional paths.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I believed in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos were absent," one of them states.
Both individuals opted to use the term "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you process the experience.
"People rely on so many soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're honest about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That's the fast track to whatever you want to do next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one owning a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are contemplating a change, these are four methods for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's natural to have some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.
A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains them.
Looking back at your past successes to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.
A former editor states it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you spend working and the influence on your personal and social life.
After her own experience, she suggests against letting your life be defined by your job.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The expert says people can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a traditional job to managing a company completely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.
"It required additional time, but that represented how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.
She recommends a test-run strategy.
This can include pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, yet not in the same area.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent tactic for getting closer to a career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged markedly in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her ability helped her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that much of the stigma of job loss is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
