We Were Let Go, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Suits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.
"I dedicated 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 says.
They both chose to say "let go" and suggest that being honest about what happened can assist you handle the event.
"People rely on so many euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the sooner you can advance.
"It's the direct path to anything you want to pursue next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one owning a media business and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's natural to experience some unease regarding your job following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the value of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Examining your past successes to identify common themes can also help. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she notes.
She also notes it is important to establish where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you spend working and its effect on your social life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The advisor states that individuals can take gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.
She took seven years to transition from a corporate role to running a company full-time, developing the venture alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests an experimental method.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It involves giving yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is a very smart approach for getting closer to your career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their own value."
Another professional was let go after a decade at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, the temptation is to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.
However, this represents a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She advises searching job platforms and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
