We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Find a Fresh Position That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I poured my heart into that role... I had faith in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles were absent," she states.
They both decided to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being honest about it can help you deal with it.
"People rely on so many euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you wish next," she notes.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have lost your job or are just considering a shift, consider these four approaches that can help.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's typical to experience some unease concerning your career after a holiday break.
A careers coach stresses the importance of looking back before starting the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your achievements to spot underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder the process," she adds.
Another professional notes it is crucial to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This means being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your social and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises preventing your life be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Small Steps
The advisor notes that professionals can take small steps towards a career shift without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a traditional job to operating a company full-time, developing the venture while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be pro bono work, joining a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress in the right direction, like a job with parallels to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It's about giving yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be a very smart approach to get closer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged to high levels lately.
She was the top editor in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her ability assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't go away because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for all individuals to remember their own value."
Another professional was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She advises browsing professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
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