We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works for You
The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, those values didn't apply," a former editor says.
Both individuals opted to use the term "fired" and believe that being transparent about what happened can assist you deal with the event.
"People rely on so many soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the faster you can progress.
"It's the fast track to anything you wish to do next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one running her own media company and the other working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, here are four approaches to assist you.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension about work following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can hinder the process," she states.
A former editor notes it is important to establish where your work fits in your life.
This requires being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your social and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends against letting yourself be defined by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can make incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself required a long period to move from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required more time, but that was my approach without risk," she comments.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This might involve volunteering, joining an initiative you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as a move forward, for example a position with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It involves giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.
"That represents a very smart tactic to get closer to a new career."
3. Recall Your Achievements
If you've just left your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She emphasizes that much of the stigma associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that you like.
"Identify {the words|the
