We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Works for You
The start of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who left their roles following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," a former editor states.
Both individuals decided to say "dismissed" and suggest that being open about it can assist you deal with it.
"There are countless soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can progress.
"That's the fast track to what you wish to do next," she notes.
Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one running her own firm and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to experience some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert emphasizes the importance of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they want to increase, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.
She also notes it is crucial to establish what place your job fits in your life.
This means being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and its impact on your family and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends preventing your life be defined by your career.
2. Take Small Steps
The advisor states that individuals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company completely, building her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It required additional time, but that was the method I used without risk," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've committed fully," she states.
She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It involves giving yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"That can be an intelligent strategy for moving nearer to that career change."
3. Recall Your Achievements
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased significantly in recent times.
She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was fired after ten years at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search on position summaries that seem appealing.
She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that seem promising.
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