We Were Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Fits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.
"I poured everything into the job... I had faith in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values didn't apply," a former editor states.
The two decided to use the term "let go" and believe that being transparent about the situation can assist you process the event.
"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the fast track to anything you want to do next," she adds.
Today, they are succeeding in new positions, with one running a media business and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are just considering a shift, consider these four approaches to assist you.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's typical to experience some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.
A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of looking back prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She encourages people to consider what they want to increase, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.
Looking back at your past successes to spot common themes is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor states it is crucial to decide where your work occupies in your life.
This means being honest about how much time you're working and the influence on your personal and family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The advisor notes that professionals can make small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to running a company entirely, working on the venture while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It required more time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.
This can include pro bono work, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you find out you don't like, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"This is an intelligent strategy for getting nearer to that career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have risen to high levels recently.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.
Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her performance assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling forward."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search on role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
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