We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Suits for You
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated my heart into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos were absent," one of them remarks.
The two chose to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being open about it can aid you deal with the event.
"There are numerous alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the fast track to anything you desire to do next," she notes.
Today, they are excelling in new ventures, where one running a media business and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four approaches that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's typical to experience some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and what motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your achievements to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder clear thinking," she notes.
She also says it is important to decide what place your job plays in your life.
This involves being candid about the amount of time you spend working and the influence on your social and social life.
Following her job loss, she advises not allowing your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Take Small Steps
The expert says people can make small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company full-time, building the venture alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, but that represented my approach without risk," she explains.
She recommends a test-run approach.
This might involve volunteering, joining a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, but it's better to find out now instead of after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as a step in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It means allowing yourself the permission to acknowledge this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"That represents an intelligent tactic for getting nearer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Successes
Should you have just left your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have increased to high levels recently.
She was the top editor at a style magazine, but in 2022 she were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.
Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – overlooking what suits you.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that sound interesting.
She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that you like.
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