We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Works for You
The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes considering our work lives.
Two editors who left their positions after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," one of them remarks.
They both opted to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being transparent about it can assist you deal with the experience.
"We use numerous alternative phrases for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the quicker you can progress.
"That is the fast track to anything you desire to do next," she continues.
Today, they are succeeding in new positions, with one leading a media business and another serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, these are four methods that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to feel some unease about work post-festive period.
A career expert highlights the importance of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Examining your past successes to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
She also notes it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be dictated by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
She states that individuals can take gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.
She took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which meant she could pay herself.
"It took additional time, but that was my approach without risk," she comments.
She suggests a test-run method.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as progress towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That represents an intelligent strategy to get closer to your desired transition."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have recently lost your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, previously she were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was fired after a decade at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – ignoring your own happiness.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests searching job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
