We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I invested my heart into the position... I believed in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos were absent," a former editor says.
They both decided to say "dismissed" and believe that being honest about the situation can aid you process it.
"We use so many alternative phrases for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're honest about it, the quicker you can progress.
"It's the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one leading a media business and another holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to feel some apprehension concerning your career following time off.
A career expert highlights the necessity of looking back before starting the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Reviewing your past successes to find common themes can also help. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she states.
Another professional states it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.
This means being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your social and family life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing your life be dictated by your work.
2. Take Small Steps
The advisor states that individuals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own business completely, developing her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she explains.
She recommends a test-run approach.
This might involve pro bono work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to know now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your desired career, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy for moving nearer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
If you've recently lost your position, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged significantly recently.
She held a senior role in a magazine, previously she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
When you're urgently looking for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that appeal to you.
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