We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Suits for You
The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
A pair of editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles were absent," a former editor says.
They both decided to say "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about what happened can help you process the event.
"We use numerous euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you own it, the quicker you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.
"That's the quickest route to what you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in new positions, where one owning a media business and another holding the position of lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are considering a shift, here are four approaches to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to feel some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the importance of introspection before starting a new job search.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to do more of, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
She also notes it is important to determine where your work plays in your life.
This means being candid about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your social and social life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing yourself be defined by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert notes that professionals can take small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.
She herself required a long period to move from a traditional job to operating her own business entirely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.
She suggests a test-run method.
This could be volunteering, participating in a work project you find appealing, or accepting a different task at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, but they act as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact area.
"It involves allowing yourself the permission to say this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents a very smart tactic to get much closer to a desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently lost your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged markedly lately.
A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her ability assisted her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's important for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.
But this is a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
