We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Find a New Role That Fits for You
The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was a disaster.
"I poured all my energy into that role... I trusted in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those principles were absent," a former editor remarks.
They both opted to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you process the event.
"We use countless euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the quicker you can progress.
"It's the fast track to what you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are thriving in new positions, where one leading her own media company and another serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've lost your job or are considering a shift, consider these four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the importance of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Examining your past successes to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she adds.
She also notes it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This involves being honest about how much time you're working and its impact on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Make Incremental Actions
She notes that professionals can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to managing a company completely, building her idea while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It took additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She advocates for a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also advises considering interim roles. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a move forward, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It's about giving yourself the space to accept this works for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be an intelligent tactic for getting closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her skills helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recall their own worth."
The other editor was fired after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for work or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.
She recommends browsing professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
