We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Secure a New Role That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that includes considering our professional paths.
Two editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested all my energy into that role... I believed in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," she states.
They both chose to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being honest about it can aid you process the event.
"There are countless euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're honest about it, the sooner you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to what you want next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running her own firm and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been laid off or are considering a shift, here are four strategies that can help.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's common to feel a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the necessity of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She suggests individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Reviewing your achievements to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she states.
She also says it is important to determine the role of work plays in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your personal and family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing your life be defined by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
The expert says people can take small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey took several years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company entirely, developing her idea while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It required more time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she says.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This could be volunteering, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a step towards your goal, like a job with parallels to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't permanent.
"This is an intelligent tactic to get much closer to your new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
For anyone who has just left your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have risen significantly recently.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, previously she were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Realizing that this was not a reflection of her ability helped her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't disappear because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that much of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Job Search List
If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that capture your interest.
She advises browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
