We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Fits Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.
"I poured everything into that role... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," one of them remarks.
They both chose to use the term "fired" and argue that being transparent about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the faster you can advance.
"That is the fast track to whatever you desire to pursue next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in different roles, with one leading a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are considering a shift, consider these four strategies to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's typical to experience a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the value of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages people to consider what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she notes.
A former editor says it is important to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your family and family life.
After her own experience, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Make Small Steps
She notes that professionals can take gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a traditional job to running her own company entirely, building the venture while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It needed additional time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she says.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This can include volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, yet they function as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It means giving yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That represents a very smart approach to get closer to that desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her ability helped her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
Another professional was let go after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of new leadership.
She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a major error.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests searching professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
