We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a New Job That Works for You
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I invested everything into the job... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, those principles were absent," one of them remarks.
They both chose to use the term "fired" and argue that being open about it can assist you process the event.
"There are so many euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can progress.
"It's the fast track to whatever you want to do next," she continues.
Today, they are succeeding in different roles, where one running a media business and another working as top editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've lost your job or are simply considering a shift, here are four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's natural to experience a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A professional advisor stresses the importance of looking back before starting the search for a new role.
She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.
Examining your achievements to spot underlying threads can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she states.
Another professional says it is crucial to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you're working and its impact on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends against letting your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The expert notes that professionals can take gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from a traditional job to running a company entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It needed a bit longer, but that represented my approach without risk," she comments.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve pro bono work, participating in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises considering interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress forward, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, but in a different area.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to accept this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart tactic for moving nearer to that career change."
3. Recall Your Successes
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have risen markedly recently.
One professional held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own value."
Her colleague was fired after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a new editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that seem appealing.
She suggests searching professional networks and collecting several that you like.
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