We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits Your Needs
The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos were absent," one of them says.
The two chose to use the term "let go" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can assist you process it.
"There are so many alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you own it, the faster you're truthful about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the fast track to whatever you desire to do next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, where one owning her own media company and the other working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's typical to feel a bit low about work post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the importance of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Reviewing your achievements to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she adds.
Another professional notes it is important to determine where your work plays in your life.
This involves being candid about how much time you're working and its impact on your social and family life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be defined by your career.
2. Make Small Steps
The advisor states that individuals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own company entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.
"It required additional time, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This can include volunteer work, joining a work project that interests you, or saying yes to a different task at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.
Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as a move forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is a very smart approach to get much closer to that new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
For anyone who has recently lost your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, previously her entire team were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her skills helped her process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for everyone to remember their own value."
Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.
She stresses that a lot of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Job Search List
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests searching job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
