We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Fits You Personally
The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.
"I poured everything into that role... I had faith in the ethos we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," she remarks.
They both decided to use the term "let go" and believe that being honest about it can assist you process the experience.
"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the direct path to whatever you wish to pursue next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, with one leading a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's typical to feel some unease concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of introspection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains them.
Examining your achievements to spot common themes can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the recent past, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.
A former editor notes it is vital to decide the role of work fits in your life.
This involves being truthful about how much time you spend working and the influence on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she advises against letting your identity be shaped solely by your work.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert says people can make incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing a company entirely, developing the venture while still employed, which enabled financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for an experimental approach.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"If it fails, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to know now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also advises exploring interim roles. These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress in the right direction, like a job with parallels to your desired career, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It involves granting yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents a clever tactic for getting closer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged to high levels recently.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own worth."
The other editor was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that appeal to you.
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