We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two editors who left their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," she states.
They both opted to say "let go" and believe that being honest about the situation can help you process the experience.
"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to what you wish to do next," she adds.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, where one leading a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have lost your job or are just looking for a new career, consider these four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to feel some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and what motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your achievements to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
She also says it is crucial to determine what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing your identity be defined by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert says people can make small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took several years to move from a traditional job to managing her own company entirely, working on her project while still employed, which enabled financial stability.
"It required a bit longer, but that represented the method I used without risk," she explains.
She advocates for an experimental approach.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.
Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as a move in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"This is a clever strategy to get closer to that desired transition."
3. Recall Your Successes
For anyone who has recently lost your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen significantly in recent times.
One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously she and her team lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own value."
Her colleague lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the arrival of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
