We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – Learn How to Land a New Role That Works for You
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those values didn't apply," one of them states.
The two decided to employ the word "fired" and believe that being open about it can help you handle the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can progress.
"That's the direct path to what you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four approaches that can help.
1. Consider Last Year
It's natural to experience a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests people to consider what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to find common themes can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
Another professional says it is crucial to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting yourself be dictated by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor says people can make gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a traditional job to managing a company completely, working on her idea while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This could be volunteer work, participating in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now than after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is an intelligent tactic to get much closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.
One professional held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this event was not indicative of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to remember their own value."
The other editor lost her job after a decade in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."
4. Build a Career Checklist
If you're actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She advises exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
