We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits You Personally
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our work lives.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into that role... I trusted in the ethos we championed. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals opted to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about what happened can assist you handle the experience.
"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the direct path to whatever you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one leading a media business and the other working as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches that can help.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's common to experience some unease about work after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the importance of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to find recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the last month, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she notes.
She also states it is crucial to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your family life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She took seven years to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own business full-time, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.
"It needed additional time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she comments.
She suggests a test-run method.
This might involve volunteering, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a step towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same field.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for moving much closer to that desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've just left your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly recently.
One professional was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.
Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her performance helped her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
Another professional was let go after ten years in a business journal due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – focusing your search on role profiles that capture your interest.
She advises browsing job platforms and gathering several that seem promising.
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