We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Fits You Personally
A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the values we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," one of them remarks.
The two chose to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being open about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.
"People rely on countless soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"It's the fast track to what you wish to do next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one owning her own firm and another holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been made redundant or are just considering a shift, consider these four approaches to assist you.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's typical to have some apprehension about work following time off.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your achievements to identify underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
Another professional notes it is crucial to decide where your work plays in your life.
This means being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends against letting yourself be dictated by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
She notes that professionals can take small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to transition from her corporate career to running a company full-time, working on the venture alongside her job, which meant she could pay herself.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was my approach without risk," she says.
She suggests an experimental method.
This might involve volunteer work, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to 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 rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.
"It means giving yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is a clever approach for getting closer to your desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly lately.
She was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"What you've learned doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."
Her colleague was fired after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She notes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search on role profiles that capture your interest.
She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that you like.
"What are {the words|the