We Got Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a New Role That Suits You Personally
A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, those principles weren't there," a former editor remarks.
The two chose to use the term "let go" and believe that being open about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.
"There are countless euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to anything you wish to pursue next," she continues.
Now, they are thriving in new ventures, with one owning a media business and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been laid off or are looking for a new career, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's common to have some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the importance of introspection prior to launching a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
She also says it is vital to establish what place your job fits in your life.
This means being honest about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your personal life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The advisor says people can take small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to managing a company completely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It required more time, but that was how I did it without risk," she says.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" method.
This could be pro bono work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's better to know now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as progress in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be an intelligent approach for getting closer to your career change."
3. Recall Your Achievements
Should you have just left your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen to high levels lately.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking work or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring your own happiness.
But this is a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only role profiles that capture your interest.
She suggests searching job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the