We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Works for You
The beginning of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into that role... I had faith in the values we stood for. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals decided to say "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about the situation can help you handle it.
"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"It's the fast track to what you desire next," she adds.
Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one owning her own media company and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
Whether you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's natural to experience some unease regarding your job following time off.
A career expert stresses the importance of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She suggests people to consider what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
Another professional says it is crucial to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your social and social life.
After being let go, she recommends against letting yourself be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The expert says people can make small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took seven years to transition from a traditional job to operating her own business completely, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, however, that was my approach without risk," she comments.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This could be volunteer work, joining a work project that interests you, or accepting a different task within your current team.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also advises considering interim roles. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a step towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact field.
"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this works for now, however, that is not permanent.
"That represents a very smart tactic to get nearer to a new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased to high levels in recent times.
One professional was the top editor in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everybody to remember their own value."
Her colleague was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing professional networks and gathering a selection of that appeal to you.
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