We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works for You
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated my heart into that role... I believed in the principles we championed. But in my case, those principles were absent," a former editor states.
The two chose to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being open about it can help you handle the event.
"People rely on numerous soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the direct path to what you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one running her own firm and the other serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, here are four methods to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's typical to experience a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the value of introspection before starting the search for a new role.
She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Examining your past successes to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, as people often suffer from for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor notes it is important to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This means being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your social life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing yourself be defined by your work.
2. Take Small Steps
The expert states that individuals can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to move from a traditional job to managing her own company completely, developing the venture while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She suggests an experimental method.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to know now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same field.
"It means granting yourself the space to accept this is good for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is a clever tactic for moving closer to your new career."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased significantly recently.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her skills allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's important for everyone to remember their own worth."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.
She stresses that so much of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that feeling around with you."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.
However, this represents a major error.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She advises browsing professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
