We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Find a Fresh Position That Suits for You
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," she remarks.
They both chose to use the term "fired" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can help you process the event.
"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the direct path to what you want next," she continues.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one running a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been laid off or are just looking for a new career, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's typical to experience some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.
A career expert stresses the value of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She suggests people to consider what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your accomplishments to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.
Another professional says it is vital to determine the role of work occupies in your life.
This means being truthful about how much time you're working and its impact on your social life.
After being let go, she advises preventing yourself be dictated by your career.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The advisor states that individuals can implement small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from a traditional job to running a company completely, building the venture alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took more time, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.
She advocates for a test-run approach.
This might involve volunteering, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.
"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the dream position, yet they function as a step forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"This is a clever tactic to get nearer to your new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have risen significantly recently.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills helped her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everybody to remember their own worth."
Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the shame of job loss is in your head.
"With many 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 Career Checklist
If you're actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to jump at at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a major error.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
