We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Secure a New Role That Fits Your Needs
The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into the position... I had faith in the values we stood for. But in my case, those values weren't there," a former editor states.
They both opted to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being open about what happened can assist you deal with the experience.
"We use numerous soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're honest about it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the direct path to what you wish next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one leading a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's common to experience some apprehension concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor highlights the value of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains them.
Examining your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
A former editor notes it is important to decide where your work plays in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your personal life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing yourself be dictated by your job.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert states that individuals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company completely, working on the venture alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required more time, however, that was my approach without risk," she says.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also encourages looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.
"This is an intelligent approach for moving much closer to a career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen significantly recently.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, but in 2022 she lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their own worth."
Another professional lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.
However, this represents a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She advises exploring professional networks and saving a selection of that seem promising.
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