We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a New Role That Works for You
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the ethos we championed. But in my case, that ethos were absent," she remarks.
They both decided to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about the situation can aid you process the experience.
"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"It's the fast track to what you wish to do next," she continues.
Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, with one leading her own media company and another holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are just contemplating a change, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's natural to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor highlights the value of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.
Looking back at your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to considering only the recent past, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.
Another professional notes it is crucial to establish where your work plays in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your personal and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor says people can implement small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took several years to transition from her corporate career to running her own company completely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It took additional time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she explains.
She suggests an experimental strategy.
This can include volunteering, participating in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.
"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as progress towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same field.
"It means granting yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent tactic to get closer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.
Recognizing that this did not reflect of her ability helped her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own value."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the arrival of new leadership.
She stresses that a lot of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – overlooking your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
