We Were Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a Fresh Position That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our work lives.
A pair of editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," she states.
Both individuals chose to say "fired" and suggest that being open about what happened can assist you process the event.
"There are countless euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.
"That is the quickest route to whatever you wish to do next," she notes.
Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading a media business and another working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are considering a shift, these are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the value of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Reviewing your past successes to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she notes.
A former editor says it is vital to decide where your work plays in your life.
This involves being honest about how much time you spend working and the influence on your personal and family life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be defined by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can make small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took several years to transition from a corporate role to running her own company completely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.
"It needed more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be pro bono work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also advises considering interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they act as a step in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It's about giving yourself the permission to say this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is a very smart tactic for getting closer to that desired transition."
3. Recall Your Successes
For anyone who has recently lost your position, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged markedly lately.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this event did not reflect of her skills assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.
She advises searching job platforms and gathering several that appeal to you.
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