We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Secure a New Job That Fits You Personally
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into the job... I had faith in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," a former editor states.
They both opted to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being honest about the situation can aid you process the event.
"There are numerous soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you wish to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are succeeding in different roles, where one running her own media company and the other holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to have some apprehension concerning your career following time off.
A career expert emphasizes the importance of looking back prior to launching a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their drive.
Examining your past successes to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
She also states it is vital to determine what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being candid regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your family life.
After her own experience, she suggests preventing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can take small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own company completely, developing the venture while still employed, which enabled financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she says.
She recommends a test-run method.
This can include volunteering, joining a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step forward, for example a position with parallels to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It means giving yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"This is an intelligent strategy to get much closer to a career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.
One professional was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this event was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your power, it's important for all individuals to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – disregarding personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She advises exploring professional networks and gathering a selection of that you like.
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