We Got Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that involves thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.
"I invested my heart into that role... I believed in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values were absent," she says.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about it can assist you handle it.
"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one leading a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.
For those who have been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's typical to feel some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the value of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
She also says it is important to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This involves being truthful about the amount of time you're working and the influence on your family life.
Following her job loss, she recommends not allowing your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can take gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.
She required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to managing a company full-time, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required more time, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests a "try before you buy" method.
This can include volunteer work, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.
"If it fails, you discover you don't like, but it's better to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as progress forward, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact area.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"That can be a clever strategy for getting nearer to your new career."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased to high levels in recent times.
One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own value."
Another professional was let go after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.
"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that capture your interest.
She advises exploring professional networks and collecting several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
