We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally
A new year's onset is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes evaluating our career trajectories.
Two editors who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured everything into that role... I trusted in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values were absent," a former editor says.
The two opted to say "fired" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you handle the event.
"There are countless euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the fast track to what you desire next," she continues.
Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one running a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been laid off or are just contemplating a change, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's natural to experience a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the value of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains them.
Examining your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid considering only the recent past, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
She also notes it is vital to determine where your work plays in your life.
This involves being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family and family life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Make Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company entirely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.
"It took more time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.
She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.
This might involve volunteering, participating in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also encourages looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a step forward, like a job with parallels to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is a very smart approach for getting closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged to high levels in recent times.
One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously she were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor was fired after a decade at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Job Search List
When you're desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring professional networks and collecting several that appeal to you.
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