We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the values we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," she states.
They both opted to use the term "fired" and suggest that being open about it can help you process it.
"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the sooner you can advance.
"It's the direct path to anything you want to do next," she adds.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading her own media company and another serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are contemplating a change, consider these four strategies that can help.
1. Consider Last Year
It's typical to have some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the importance of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains them.
Examining your achievements to identify underlying threads can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
She also notes it is important to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This involves being truthful about how much time you're working and its effect on your social and social life.
Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The advisor notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to transition from a corporate role to managing a company completely, developing the venture alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed a bit longer, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.
She recommends a test-run approach.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a different task at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also encourages exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a move in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means giving yourself the permission to accept this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That can be an intelligent approach for getting much closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly recently.
One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously her entire team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her skills assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in management and the appointment of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that seem appealing.
She recommends exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.
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