We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated all my energy into the job... I believed in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," she remarks.
The two chose to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being honest about the situation can assist you handle it.
"People rely on numerous soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the fast track to what you desire next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading her own media company and the other working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've lost your job or are just looking for a new career, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's typical to have some apprehension about work after a holiday break.
A professional advisor highlights the importance of looking back prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they desire to increase, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains their energy.
Reviewing your achievements to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor notes it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises preventing your life be defined by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
She states that individuals can take small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to move from her corporate career to running her own company entirely, building her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took a bit longer, but that was how I did it without risk," she comments.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" method.
This could be volunteer work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's better to know now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step forward, for example a position with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means giving yourself the permission to say this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That can be a very smart strategy for moving closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen to high levels recently.
She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own value."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that feeling around with you."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – overlooking your own happiness.
But this is a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
