We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that includes considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.
"I poured my heart into the position... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," she says.
The two opted to say "fired" and believe that being open about it can aid you process the experience.
"There are numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the faster you're candid about it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the direct path to what you wish to do next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, with one running a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to have some unease about work following time off.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.
She also says it is vital to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being honest about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your social and social life.
After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be defined by your job.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
She says people can take small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own company entirely, working on her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.
"It required a bit longer, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she comments.
She advocates for a test-run strategy.
This might involve volunteer work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also encourages looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same field.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"That represents a clever tactic for getting closer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen markedly lately.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability helped her process the change.
"Your experience remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional was let go after a decade in a business journal after a change in management and the appointment of a new editor.
She notes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
But this is a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests browsing professional networks and collecting several that appeal to you.
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