We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a New Role That Fits Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves considering our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.
"I poured everything into that role... I had faith in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," one of them remarks.
They both decided to say "let go" and suggest that being open about what happened can help you handle it.
"People rely on numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're honest about it, the sooner you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to whatever you desire to pursue next," she notes.
Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one leading a media business and the other holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are considering a shift, these are four methods that can help.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's typical to feel some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.
She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your past successes to spot common themes can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can impede the process," she notes.
A former editor says it is important to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This involves being candid about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family life.
After her own experience, she suggests against letting your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert says people can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to running her own company completely, working on her project alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It required a bit longer, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a "try before you buy" method.
This can include volunteering, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also advises looking into interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It means allowing yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a clever tactic for getting nearer to your desired transition."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have just left your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased to high levels recently.
She held a senior role at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own worth."
Another professional was fired after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that capture your interest.
She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
