We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works for You
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated my heart into that role... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those principles weren't there," she says.
They both decided to say "fired" and believe that being honest about the situation can assist you deal with the event.
"We use numerous soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can progress.
"It's the fast track to anything you wish next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one leading her own firm and the other working as lead editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, here are four strategies to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to feel some unease regarding your job following time off.
A career expert stresses the value of introspection before starting a new job search.
She suggests individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Reviewing your past successes to find underlying threads can also help. "Avoid just looking at the last month, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she states.
A former editor states it is important to determine where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your identity be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Small Steps
The advisor says people can make incremental moves towards changing careers without committing fully.
Her own journey took seven years to move from a traditional job to managing a company full-time, working on the venture while still employed, which enabled financial stability.
"It took additional time, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she says.
She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or accepting something different within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to know now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as a move in the right direction, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, but in a different field.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.
"This is a clever strategy for moving much closer to a new career."
3. Recall Your Successes
For anyone who has recently lost your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen to high levels lately.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her ability helped her process the change.
"Your experience remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
But this is a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
