We Got Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Secure a New Job That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that involves considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I had faith in the ethos we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
The two decided to use the term "let go" and argue that being honest about what happened can aid you handle the experience.
"People rely on numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That's the direct path to anything you want to do next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in new ventures, where one running her own firm and another serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four approaches to assist you.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's typical to experience some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert stresses the importance of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your accomplishments to identify common themes is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
She also says it is important to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This means being honest regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to operating her own company full-time, building her project while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It required a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she comments.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This could be pro bono work, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a different task at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, but they serve as progress forward, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about giving yourself the permission to say this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be an intelligent tactic for moving much closer to that career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this event did not reflect of her skills helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's vital for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the arrival of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the stigma of job loss is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."
4. Build a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding personal fulfillment.
But this is a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search on position summaries that seem appealing.
She advises exploring professional networks and gathering a selection of that seem promising.
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