We Got Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Fits for You
The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those values were absent," one of them remarks.
They both decided to employ the word "fired" and believe that being transparent about what happened can help you deal with the experience.
"There are numerous alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the faster you can progress.
"That is the fast track to anything you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading a media business and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
If you've been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the value of introspection before starting a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she notes.
A former editor states it is crucial to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you're working and the influence on your social and family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert says people can take incremental moves for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
She took seven years to transition from her corporate career to operating her own company entirely, building her idea while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.
This could be volunteering, participating in a work project that interests you, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.
"If it fails, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also encourages exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move towards your goal, like a job with similarities to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That represents a clever approach for getting closer to a career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have risen significantly recently.
One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, previously she were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this did not reflect of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away just because you were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own value."
Her colleague lost her job after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that so much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Job Search List
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that you like.
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