We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Fits for You
A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for many, that includes thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I invested everything into the position... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," she states.
They both chose to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can help you handle the experience.
"There are so many euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to whatever you want to do next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one owning her own media company and another serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've lost your job or are looking for a new career, consider these four strategies to assist you.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to have some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the importance of reflection prior to launching a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Examining your accomplishments to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.
Another professional states it is vital to determine where your work fits in your life.
This involves being honest about how much time you spend working and its effect on your personal and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises preventing your life be dictated by your work.
2. Make Incremental Actions
She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to managing her own business entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.
"It needed more time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.
She recommends a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or accepting something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also advises exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as progress forward, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact area.
"It involves giving yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That represents a clever tactic to get nearer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
For anyone who has just left your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased significantly lately.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this event was not indicative of her performance assisted her process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."
Another professional lost her job after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma associated with being fired is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She advises browsing job platforms and saving a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
