We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Fits Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.
"I poured my heart into the job... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," she states.
They both opted to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being open about it can help you handle the experience.
"We use countless euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the direct path to what you desire to do next," she notes.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to feel some unease about work following time off.
A careers coach stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She advises professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your achievements to spot underlying threads can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
She also says it is crucial to establish where your work fits in your life.
This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your social life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be defined by your job.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The expert says people can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.
She herself took several years to transition from her corporate career to running her own business full-time, developing her idea while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It needed more time, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she explains.
She recommends a test-run strategy.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a different task in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a move forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means granting yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That can be an intelligent strategy to get nearer to a new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
If you've recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen significantly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, previously her entire team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this event did not reflect of her ability assisted her handle the transition.
"What you've learned doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for everybody to recall their own worth."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.
She stresses that so much of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search on position summaries that sound interesting.
She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
