We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.
"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I believed in the ethos we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them says.
They both opted to say "fired" and believe that being open about the situation can assist you handle the event.
"People rely on so many euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the faster you can progress.
"That's the fast track to anything you desire to do next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading a media business and another serving as top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are just contemplating a change, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's natural to experience some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains their drive.
Looking back at your achievements to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid considering only the last month, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she notes.
Another professional notes it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your family life.
After being let go, she advises preventing yourself be shaped solely by your job.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can take small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took seven years to move from a traditional job to managing a company full-time, building the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for an experimental method.
This might involve pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as progress forward, like a job with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents a very smart approach for moving closer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently lost your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have risen markedly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her skills allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."
Another professional was fired after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to jump at at any opportunity – overlooking your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests searching professional networks and gathering a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
