We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works for You
The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that involves thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their jobs following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the job... I had faith in the values we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," a former editor states.
They both chose to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about it can help you process it.
"We use countless alternative phrases for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the direct path to what you want next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one running her own media company and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been laid off or are just contemplating a change, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the value of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Examining your achievements to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid considering only the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she notes.
She also notes it is vital to decide the role of work fits in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your personal life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your life be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert states that individuals can take small steps towards a career shift without committing fully.
She required a long period to move from her corporate career to managing her own company completely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required more time, but that represented my approach without risk," she says.
She suggests an experimental approach.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's better to know now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to say this works for now, however, that is not permanent.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for moving nearer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your job, you are not the only one – job cuts have increased significantly lately.
One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own value."
The other editor was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She stresses that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring job platforms and saving a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
