We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.
"I invested everything into the job... I believed in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," a former editor says.
Both individuals decided to use the term "let go" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you process the event.
"There are numerous soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the direct path to what you desire next," she adds.
Currently, they are excelling in different roles, where one leading her own firm and another holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been made redundant or are just considering a shift, consider these four methods that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Examining your past successes to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede the process," she states.
She also notes it is vital to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you're working and the influence on your personal and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your identity be defined by your job.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert notes that professionals can take gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from her corporate career to managing her own company full-time, working on her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.
"It required additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.
This can include volunteer work, joining an initiative you find appealing, or accepting something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, yet they function as progress forward, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to say this is good for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That can be a very smart tactic to get nearer to that new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
Should you have recently lost your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased to high levels in recent times.
One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously her entire team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this did not reflect of her performance helped her handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recognize their own worth."
Her colleague was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the arrival of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are very much not you, so refrain from bearing that feeling forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking work or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that seem appealing.
She advises searching sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
