We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Fits for You
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," she says.
Both individuals decided to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about the situation can help you process the event.
"We use countless alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to anything you desire next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one running her own media company and the other working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four strategies to assist you.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to have some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their drive.
Reviewing your accomplishments to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
She also notes it is vital to determine the role of work plays in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social and family life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your job.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The advisor states that individuals can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She herself required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own company entirely, developing the venture alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed a bit longer, but that was my approach sustainably," she says.
She advocates for a test-run strategy.
This might involve volunteering, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It involves giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That can be a clever tactic for moving much closer to your career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased markedly in recent times.
One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Realizing that this event was not indicative of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in management and the hiring of new leadership.
She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame around with you."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "scanning" – focusing your search to only role profiles that seem appealing.
She suggests searching professional networks and saving several that appeal to you.
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