We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.
"I poured my heart into the position... I had faith in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," a former editor remarks.
They both opted to say "let go" and suggest that being honest about the situation can assist you deal with it.
"People rely on so many alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, with one leading her own media company and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, these are four approaches to assist you.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's natural to experience some unease about work post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the value of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.
She also notes it is vital to establish where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you're working and its effect on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises against letting your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She took several years to transition from her corporate career to running a company entirely, building her idea while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This can include volunteer work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've committed fully," she adds.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It involves giving yourself the permission to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent approach to get much closer to a career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
If you've recently lost your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased markedly recently.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.
"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own value."
Another professional was fired after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring your own happiness.
But this is a major error.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests browsing job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
