We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes considering our professional paths.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was a disaster.
"I invested everything into the position... I trusted in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them remarks.
They both decided to say "fired" and believe that being open about what happened can help you process it.
"We use so many soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the direct path to whatever you wish to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
If you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, consider these four methods that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on a new job search.
She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to spot common themes is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
Another professional notes it is important to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This involves being candid about how much time you're working and its impact on your social and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing yourself be dictated by your job.
2. Make Gradual Moves
She says people can make small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to transition from her corporate career to operating her own business entirely, developing her project while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests an experimental strategy.
This might involve volunteer work, joining a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also encourages looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It means giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents a very smart approach for moving nearer to a new career."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently lost your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"Your experience remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for everyone to remember their own value."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for work or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring your own happiness.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that seem appealing.
She suggests browsing professional networks and collecting several that seem promising.
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