We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Works Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I believed in the values we stood for. But in my case, those values didn't apply," one of them remarks.
Both individuals decided to employ the word "let go" and argue that being honest about what happened can help you handle the experience.
"People rely on numerous euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid about it, the sooner you can move on.
"It's the direct path to anything you desire to do next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one owning a media business and the other working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been laid off or are looking for a new career, these are four approaches that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's natural to experience some unease about work post-festive period.
A career expert highlights the necessity of looking back prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find common themes can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often suffer from for recency bias that can hinder the process," she adds.
She also notes it is important to establish what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your personal life.
Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing yourself be dictated by your career.
2. Make Small Steps
She notes that professionals can make gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a traditional job to operating her own business full-time, developing the venture while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she says.
She advocates for a test-run method.
This can include volunteering, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they act as a move forward, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It's about giving yourself the permission to say this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.
"That can be a very smart tactic for getting nearer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
For anyone who has just left your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased to high levels lately.
She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to process the change.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for all individuals to recall their intrinsic value."
Another professional lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that so much of the shame of job loss is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests searching job platforms and saving several that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
