We Were Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Find a New Job That Suits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.
"I poured all my energy into that role... I believed in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," a former editor states.
Both individuals opted to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about the situation can help you process it.
"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one owning her own media company and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are just considering a shift, these are four approaches to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's common to feel a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.
A careers coach stresses the value of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your past successes to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she states.
A former editor states it is crucial to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being candid about how much time you're working and the influence on your personal and social life.
Following her job loss, she suggests preventing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The expert notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating a company entirely, working on her idea while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, but that was how I did it without risk," she comments.
She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a step towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact field.
"It's about granting yourself the space to accept this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be an intelligent tactic for moving closer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have just left your job, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged significantly lately.
One professional was the top editor at a style magazine, but in 2022 she were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this did not reflect of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal after a change in management and the hiring of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only role profiles that capture your interest.
She advises exploring job platforms and saving a selection of that appeal to you.
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