We Got Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Works Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves thinking about our work lives.
Two editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. But in my case, those values didn't apply," one of them says.
Both individuals opted to employ the word "fired" and argue that being honest about the situation can aid you process the event.
"People rely on countless soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the fast track to anything you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one running her own firm and another holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've lost your job or are considering a shift, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's typical to experience some apprehension about work post-festive period.
A professional advisor highlights the importance of looking back prior to launching a new job search.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Reviewing your accomplishments to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
Another professional says it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.
This means being candid about how much time you spend working and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your identity be defined by your job.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The advisor states that individuals can implement incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to transition from her corporate career to running a company entirely, working on her project while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.
She advocates for a test-run approach.
This could be pro bono work, joining a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different at your present job.
"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"That represents a clever tactic to get nearer to that career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased to high levels recently.
She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability helped her process the change.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were let go.
"Do not surrender your power, it's vital for everyone to recall their own worth."
Another professional was fired after a decade in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for employment or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that capture your interest.
She advises exploring job platforms and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Identify {the words|the
