We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a Fresh Position That Fits Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes considering our work lives.
Two editors who left their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested my heart into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.
The two opted to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being honest about the situation can aid you handle it.
"We use countless soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the direct path to whatever you wish to do next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one owning her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are just considering a shift, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's typical to experience some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of reflection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Reviewing your past successes to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
She also notes it is important to establish what place your job occupies in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took seven years to move from her corporate career to operating her own company full-time, working on her idea while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.
"It needed more time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now than after you've made the move," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they act as progress forward, like a job with parallels to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It involves giving yourself the permission to accept this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That represents a clever strategy for moving much closer to that desired transition."
3. Recall Your Successes
Should you have recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were let go.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own worth."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.
However, this represents a major error.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
