We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Suits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.
Two editors who lost their positions due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I believed in the ethos we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
Both individuals opted to say "fired" and suggest that being honest about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.
"There are so many euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to what you desire to do next," she notes.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one running her own firm and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've lost your job or are considering a shift, here are four methods that can help.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to feel some unease concerning your career post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your achievements to find recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she notes.
A former editor says it is important to determine the role of work fits in your life.
This involves being candid about the amount of time you're working and the influence on your social and social life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be dictated by your job.
2. Take Incremental Actions
She states that individuals can take small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.
She took several years to transition from a traditional job to operating a company full-time, building the venture alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she comments.
She advocates for a test-run approach.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to find out now than after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a move forward, like a job with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same field.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.
"This is a very smart tactic to get closer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly lately.
One professional held a senior role in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after a decade with a finance publication after a change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – focusing your search on position summaries that sound interesting.
She recommends exploring job platforms and gathering a selection of that appeal to you.
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