We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Works for You
The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our work lives.
Two editors who lost their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated my heart into the position... I trusted in the values we stood for. But in my case, those values weren't there," one of them says.
They both chose to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about the situation can assist you deal with the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're honest about it, the faster you can move on.
"That's the direct path to what you want next," she notes.
Currently, they are excelling in new ventures, with one owning a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been laid off or are looking for a new career, these are four methods that can help.
1. Contemplate The Previous Year
It's typical to feel some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of reflection before starting a new job search.
She suggests people to consider what they want to increase, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to find common themes is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.
A former editor says it is important to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your social and social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends against letting yourself be shaped solely by your career.
2. Make Incremental Actions
She says people can implement gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.
She required a long period to transition from her corporate career to running her own business full-time, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required a bit longer, but that represented my approach without risk," she says.
She recommends a "try before you buy" method.
This can include volunteer work, joining an initiative that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a step towards your goal, like a job with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It involves giving yourself the space to accept this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is an intelligent tactic for moving nearer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have increased to high levels lately.
A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this was not indicative of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She stresses that much of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only role profiles that capture your interest.
She recommends searching job platforms and gathering a selection of that you like.
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