We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who lost their positions due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the job... I believed in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," one of them says.
The two chose to use the term "fired" and believe that being honest about it can aid you handle the event.
"People rely on countless alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That's the quickest route to what you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading a media business and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are considering a shift, these are four methods to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to have a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert emphasizes the value of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they want to increase, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to spot underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
A former editor notes it is crucial to establish where your work plays in your life.
This requires being candid about how much time you spend working and the influence on your social and social life.
After being let go, she suggests not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Small Steps
She says people can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She took seven years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own business full-time, working on her project concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.
"It needed additional time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she says.
She suggests a test-run method.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've made the move," she states.
She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as a step forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It means giving yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart tactic to get closer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have just left your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged significantly lately.
One professional was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.
Realizing that this was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recognize their own worth."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the shame of job loss is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're urgently looking for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She suggests searching job platforms and saving a selection of that you like.
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