We Got Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into that role... I trusted in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.
The two decided to say "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you deal with the experience.
"People rely on countless soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the direct path to whatever you desire next," she notes.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning her own firm and the other holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, here are four methods that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's typical to experience a bit low concerning your career after a holiday break.
A careers coach stresses the value of reflection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises people to consider what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Examining your achievements to find common themes can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor says it is crucial to determine the role of work fits in your life.
This requires being candid about the amount of time you spend working and its impact on your social and social life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing yourself be defined by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can make incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
She took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing a company entirely, building her project alongside her job, which meant she could pay herself.
"It took more time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she comments.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This can include volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as a step in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It means allowing yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is a very smart tactic to get much closer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
For anyone who has just left your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly in recent times.
One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to remember their own value."
Her colleague was fired after a decade in a business journal due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of a different editor.
She stresses that much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – overlooking your own happiness.
But this is a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that capture your interest.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the