We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Works Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that involves evaluating our work lives.
A pair of editors who lost their roles after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I had faith in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," she says.
They both decided to say "let go" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can help you process the experience.
"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one running a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been laid off or are looking for a new career, consider these four approaches to assist you.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to have some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.
A career expert highlights the importance of introspection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find common themes is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she states.
A former editor says it is vital to decide what place your job occupies in your life.
This involves being truthful about the amount of time you spend working and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises against letting your life be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert says people can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own business entirely, building the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It required a bit longer, however, that was the method I used without risk," she says.
She recommends an experimental method.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also advises considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a step forward, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means granting yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't for all time.
"That represents an intelligent approach to get much closer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Successes
For anyone who has just left your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly lately.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this event did not reflect of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.
"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor was let go after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a major error.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that seem appealing.
She advises browsing professional networks and saving several that appeal to you.
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