We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works for You
A new year's onset is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our work lives.
A pair of editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I invested my heart into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals opted to say "dismissed" and believe that being open about it can aid you deal with it.
"There are countless soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"It's the quickest route to anything you desire to do next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading her own media company and another serving as top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, these are four methods that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to experience a bit low about work following time off.
A career expert stresses the value of looking back before starting a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your achievements to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, since everyone suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she states.
A former editor notes it is crucial to establish the role of work plays in your life.
This involves being truthful regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your family and family life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from her corporate career to operating her own business completely, developing her project alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took additional time, but that was how I did it sustainably," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to know now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a step in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It involves granting yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy for moving much closer to your desired transition."
3. Remember Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased markedly recently.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this was not indicative of her ability helped her handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional was fired following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She notes that much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."
4. Build a Job Search List
When you're desperately seeking work or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing job platforms and saving several that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
