We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.
"I invested everything into the position... I believed in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being honest about it can assist you process the event.
"There are countless alternative phrases for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the faster you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.
"That's the direct path to anything you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Today, they are thriving in different roles, with one owning her own media company and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's typical to feel some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert stresses the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.
She suggests people to consider what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Reviewing your past successes to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid considering only the last month, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she states.
She also notes it is vital to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being candid regarding the hours you're working and the influence on your family and social life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be defined by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She says people can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from her corporate career to running her own company entirely, working on her idea while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required more time, however, that was my approach without risk," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be volunteer work, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step towards your goal, for example a position with parallels to your target field, but in a different area.
"It's about granting yourself the space to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.
"This is a clever approach for getting much closer to that career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased to high levels lately.
She was the top editor in a magazine, previously she and her team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability helped her process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests browsing professional networks and saving several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
