We Got Fired, and We Accept It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.
"I invested everything into the job... I had faith in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor says.
Both individuals decided to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being open about what happened can assist you process it.
"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That's the direct path to what you wish next," she adds.
Currently, they are excelling in different roles, where one running her own firm and another holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to experience some unease about work after a holiday break.
A professional advisor highlights the value of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains them.
Examining your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid considering only the last month, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she adds.
A former editor notes it is vital to determine where your work fits in your life.
This involves being candid about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your social life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The expert notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.
She herself required a long period to move from a traditional job to operating her own company full-time, working on her project alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required a bit longer, but that represented my approach without risk," she comments.
She advocates for an experimental method.
This might involve pro bono work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to your target field, but in a different area.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to say this works for now, however, that is not permanent.
"That represents a clever strategy for moving nearer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've recently lost your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased significantly in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but a few years ago she were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event did not reflect of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't disappear just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."
Her colleague lost her job after ten years in a business journal following a regime change in management and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Create a Job Search List
If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
