We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works You Personally
The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," she states.
Both individuals chose to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about it can assist you process it.
"People rely on countless euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to anything you wish to pursue next," she continues.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading her own media company and the other serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, here are four strategies that can help.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's typical to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of reflection prior to launching a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to spot common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she states.
She also says it is crucial to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This involves being truthful about how much time you spend working and its impact on your personal and family life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Make Small Steps
The advisor says people can implement small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to move from her corporate career to operating her own business entirely, working on her project alongside her job, which meant she could pay herself.
"It required a bit longer, but that was my approach sustainably," she explains.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This could be volunteer work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It means giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That can be a very smart approach for getting closer to a new career."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly recently.
She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this event did not reflect of her skills helped her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was let go after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of a different editor.
She stresses that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that feeling around with you."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.
She advises exploring professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
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