We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Find a New Job That Suits Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.
"I poured everything into the position... I believed in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," she states.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being open about it can assist you deal with the experience.
"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the sooner you can progress.
"That is the quickest route to what you desire next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading her own firm and the other holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's natural to have some apprehension concerning your career following time off.
A career expert stresses the value of reflection prior to launching a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to decrease, and which factors motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your past successes to identify common themes is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.
She also notes it is important to determine where your work occupies in your life.
This involves being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your personal life.
After her own experience, she suggests against letting your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can implement small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a corporate role to operating a company completely, building her idea alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, however, that was my approach without risk," she explains.
She suggests an experimental strategy.
This can include volunteering, joining a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.
"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to accept this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is a very smart approach for moving nearer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your job, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen to high levels in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away just because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for all individuals to recall their own worth."
The other editor lost her job after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
If you're actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends searching job platforms and saving several that appeal to you.
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