We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles weren't there," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being open about what happened can aid you handle the experience.
"People rely on countless euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.
"That is the fast track to whatever you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, with one running a media business and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are just contemplating a change, here are four methods to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to feel a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach emphasizes the importance of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Reviewing your achievements to spot common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she adds.
A former editor notes it is crucial to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being candid about how much time you're working and the influence on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your life be dictated by your work.
2. Make Small Steps
She says people can take small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.
She required a long period to move from a traditional job to running a company completely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.
"It took more time, but that represented my approach without risk," she explains.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" approach.
This can include volunteering, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now than after you've committed fully," she states.
She also advises considering interim roles. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a move forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same field.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be an intelligent strategy for getting closer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged significantly lately.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."
Another professional was fired after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that feeling forward."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
