We Were Let Go, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a New Role That Fits for You
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.
A pair of editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured my heart into the position... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," a former editor states.
They both opted to say "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about what happened can assist you handle it.
"There are so many alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can progress.
"That is the direct path to what you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are thriving in new positions, where one running a media business and another serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, consider these four strategies to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to feel some unease concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the importance of reflection prior to launching a new job search.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and what energizes or exhausts them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.
She also says it is important to decide what place your job plays in your life.
This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your personal and social life.
After her own experience, she suggests against letting your life be defined by your career.
2. Take Small Steps
The expert says people can make incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She required a long period to transition from her corporate career to operating a company completely, building the venture alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It needed additional time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she explains.
She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.
This can include volunteering, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now than after you've switched careers," she states.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as progress forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart approach for getting nearer to a desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've just left your job, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen markedly recently.
She was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job after ten years in a business journal following a regime change in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring your own happiness.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing professional networks and gathering a selection of that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
