We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Fits for You
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who lost their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested everything into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," she says.
They both opted to employ the word "let go" and argue that being transparent about the situation can aid you handle it.
"We use so many soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"It's the quickest route to what you want to pursue next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, with one running a media business and another serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four strategies to assist you.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to have some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert stresses the importance of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to identify common themes can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she states.
A former editor states it is crucial to decide what place your job plays in your life.
This involves being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your family and social life.
Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your identity be dictated by your job.
2. Take Incremental Actions
She says people can make small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to move from her corporate career to managing her own business entirely, developing her project alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she comments.
She recommends a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteering, joining a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It means giving yourself the space to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"This is a very smart tactic for moving closer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've just left your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged to high levels in recent times.
One professional held a senior role in a magazine, previously she and her team lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"Your experience remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's important for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
