We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Works for You
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into the position... I had faith in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos were absent," she says.
They both opted to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about what happened can help you handle it.
"There are countless soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to anything you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one running a media business and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's typical to experience some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert emphasizes the value of reflection before starting the search for a new role.
She suggests people to consider what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she states.
A former editor states it is vital to establish where your work fits in your life.
This requires being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and its impact on your family life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your life be defined by your work.
2. Make Incremental Actions
She states that individuals can take gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to operating her own business full-time, building the venture concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, but that represented how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be pro bono work, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a step towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It involves allowing yourself the permission to accept this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for getting nearer to that desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
If you've recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously her entire team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her performance assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
The other editor lost her job after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in management and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that feeling forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – overlooking your own happiness.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She recommends browsing job platforms and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Identify {the words|the
