We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Find a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I invested my heart into that role... I had faith in the principles we championed. But in my case, that ethos were absent," one of them remarks.
The two chose to use the term "fired" and believe that being transparent about what happened can help you process it.
"We use numerous euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.
"That is the quickest route to what you want to pursue next," she notes.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one owning a media business and the other working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've lost your job or are simply considering a shift, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension regarding your job following time off.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find underlying threads can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she states.
She also says it is vital to establish the role of work fits in your life.
This requires being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your personal and family life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing yourself be defined by your job.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert says people can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
She herself required a long period to transition from a traditional job to operating a company full-time, working on her idea while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also advises considering interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they act as a step in the right direction, like a job with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"This is an intelligent approach for getting much closer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Successes
For anyone who has just left your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly in recent times.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her ability assisted her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.
She stresses that so much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the