We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Fits for You
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into the job... I believed in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," she remarks.
They both chose to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being open about what happened can aid you deal with the event.
"We use so many euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid about it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning a media business and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to have some unease about work post-festive period.
A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Examining your past successes to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to just looking at the last month, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor notes it is vital to determine what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and its impact on your family and family life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing your life be defined by your work.
2. Make Small Steps
The advisor notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took seven years to transition from a traditional job to operating her own business completely, developing the venture alongside her job, which meant financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She suggests a test-run approach.
This can include volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It means allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be a clever strategy to get much closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your job, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen significantly recently.
A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this event was not indicative of her ability helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for everybody to remember their own value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal after a change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that sound interesting.
She advises searching professional networks and gathering several that you like.
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