We Got Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Fits Your Needs
A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into the job... I believed in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.
They both chose to use the term "let go" and argue that being open about it can aid you handle it.
"People rely on numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can progress.
"That's the fast track to anything you wish to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one leading her own firm and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, consider these four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's natural to experience some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert highlights the importance of introspection prior to launching a new job search.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their energy.
Reviewing your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the last month, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she states.
A former editor states it is important to decide where your work plays in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your social and family life.
Following her job loss, she recommends preventing yourself be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Small Steps
The advisor notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to move from a corporate role to managing her own company entirely, developing her project alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she comments.
She suggests 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 at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to know now than after you've made the move," she states.
She also encourages exploring interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they act as a step forward, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, but in a different field.
"It means giving yourself the permission to say this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is an intelligent tactic to get nearer to that career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly lately.
One professional held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for everyone to remember their own worth."
The other editor was fired after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Job Search List
When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She suggests browsing professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
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