We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a New Job That Works Your Needs
A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.
Two editors who left their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I invested everything into that role... I had faith in the values we promoted. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being open about the situation can aid you process the event.
"We use so many soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"That's the fast track to whatever you want to do next," she continues.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, where one leading her own media company and another serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's typical to experience a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the value of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can hinder the process," she adds.
Another professional says it is important to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you're working and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your identity be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Small Steps
The advisor notes that professionals can take gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own business full-time, working on her project while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It needed a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she comments.
She suggests a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteer work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as a step in the right direction, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same field.
"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is a very smart approach for moving closer to a new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for everyone to recall their own value."
The other editor was fired after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She notes that a lot of the shame of job loss is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
