We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes considering our professional paths.
Two editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was a disaster.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
The two opted to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being honest about what happened can aid you handle the event.
"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the faster you can progress.
"It's the direct path to anything you desire to do next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading her own firm and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been made redundant or are contemplating a change, here are four approaches to assist you.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's common to have some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the value of reflection before starting a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to identify recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the last month, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.
Another professional notes it is vital to decide what place your job occupies in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your personal life.
After being let go, she advises not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can make gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
She took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to running a company full-time, building her idea while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took more time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she comments.
She suggests an experimental strategy.
This could be volunteering, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also encourages exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a move forward, for example a position with similarities to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not permanent.
"That can be a very smart strategy for moving closer to a desired transition."
3. Recall Your Successes
If you've just left your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased markedly recently.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this event did not reflect of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
"What are {the words|the
