We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a Fresh Position That Fits for You
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.
"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I believed in the values we stood for. But in my case, that ethos were absent," she states.
They both chose to say "fired" and believe that being open about what happened can aid you deal with it.
"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the fast track to what you desire to pursue next," she continues.
Currently, they are excelling in new positions, with one running her own firm and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to have some apprehension about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach stresses the importance of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Examining your accomplishments to find underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid considering only the last month, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she notes.
A former editor says it is crucial to determine where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your personal and social life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be defined by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor says people can implement small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to transition from her corporate career to running her own company completely, building the venture while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests an experimental method.
This can include volunteer work, joining a professional project that interests you, or accepting a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as a move forward, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"This is a clever tactic for getting much closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has just left your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased significantly lately.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were made redundant after the company closed the print version.
Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of job loss is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.
She advises searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that you like.
"Identify {the words|the
