We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Suits for You
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who left their roles due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I had faith in the ethos we championed. But in my case, those values weren't there," she remarks.
The two opted to say "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about it can assist you process the event.
"We use numerous alternative phrases for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the fast track to anything you desire to pursue next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one running a media business and the other working as top editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's common to feel some unease about work after a holiday break.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid considering only the recent past, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she adds.
A former editor states it is crucial to decide what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and the influence on your social and social life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor states that individuals can make incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to operating her own business entirely, building the venture concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It required more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.
This can include volunteer work, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also advises exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress towards your goal, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents a clever approach for getting closer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have just left your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen markedly lately.
She was the top editor in a magazine, previously she were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"Your experience remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's important for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
If you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "browsing" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
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