We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who left their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.
"I dedicated everything into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," one of them states.
Both individuals opted to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can help you deal with the experience.
"People rely on so many soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the fast track to anything you desire next," she notes.
Currently, they are excelling in different roles, where one leading her own firm and another holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, consider these four strategies to assist you.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to identify recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.
She also says it is crucial to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being truthful about the amount of time you're working and the influence on your social and social life.
After being let go, she advises preventing your life be defined by your job.
2. Take Small Steps
She states that individuals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company completely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took more time, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This could be volunteering, joining a work project that interests you, or saying yes to something different at your present job.
"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a step towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to say this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That can be an intelligent approach for getting much closer to a career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have risen to high levels in recent times.
She was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"Your experience remains with you simply due to lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
Her colleague lost her job after ten years with a finance publication after a change at the top and the hiring of new leadership.
She stresses that much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that feeling forward."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search down to role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends searching job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Identify {the words|the
