We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Suits Your Needs
The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated everything into the position... I trusted in the principles we promoted. But in my case, those values weren't there," she says.
The two opted to say "let go" and believe that being transparent about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.
"People rely on numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"It's the fast track to anything you want to pursue next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in different roles, with one leading a media business and another working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been laid off or are contemplating a change, these are four methods that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's natural to experience some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your achievements to identify recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor notes it is crucial to determine where your work plays in your life.
This requires being candid about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your family and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
She states that individuals can make small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company completely, working on her idea while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it without risk," she says.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as progress towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It involves giving yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is an intelligent tactic for moving nearer to a new career."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged significantly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.
"What you've learned remains with you simply due to lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own worth."
Her colleague was fired after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – focusing your search down to position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring professional networks and gathering a selection of that you like.
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