We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Secure a New Role That Fits for You
A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was a disaster.
"I poured my heart into the position... I believed in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles weren't there," a former editor remarks.
The two decided to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about what happened can help you process the experience.
"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the fast track to what you desire next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading a media business and the other serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, these are four approaches that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's common to have some unease concerning your career post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the importance of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Examining your past successes to find common themes is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
She also says it is vital to determine where your work plays in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you're working and its effect on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing your life be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
She says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
She required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company full-time, developing her project alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that represented the method I used without risk," she explains.
She advocates for a test-run method.
This can include pro bono work, joining 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 better to know now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a step towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is an intelligent strategy to get closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently lost your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged significantly lately.
One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.
Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her performance helped her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to remember their own value."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change in management and the hiring of new leadership.
She stresses that so much of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests searching job platforms and collecting several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
