We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Works for You
The beginning of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.
Two editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.
"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those principles were absent," a former editor says.
They both opted to use the term "let go" and believe that being transparent about it can help you handle the experience.
"There are so many soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the faster you can progress.
"It's the fast track to whatever you desire to pursue next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in different roles, where one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been laid off or are simply considering a shift, these are four approaches to assist you.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's natural to have some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert stresses the necessity of reflection before starting the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Examining your achievements to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can impede the process," she notes.
Another professional notes it is important to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This means being honest about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your family and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises against letting yourself be dictated by your work.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert notes that professionals can make small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own business completely, developing her project while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It needed a bit longer, but that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be pro bono work, participating in an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to a different task at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same field.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to say this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That represents a clever strategy for getting closer to a new career."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly recently.
A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously she lost their jobs when the firm closed the print version.
Recognizing that this event was not indicative of her skills helped her handle the transition.
"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."
Another professional was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"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 Job Search List
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search to only position summaries that seem appealing.
She recommends exploring professional networks and gathering a selection of that you like.
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