We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a Fresh Position That Suits for You
The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who lost their positions following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.
"I poured everything into that role... I trusted in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos were absent," she remarks.
The two opted to say "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about it can aid you deal with the event.
"People rely on countless alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can progress.
"That is the direct path to what you wish next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning her own media company and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's common to feel a bit low regarding your job following time off.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of reflection before starting a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your achievements to find common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede your judgment," she adds.
She also says it is important to determine the role of work fits in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your personal and social life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The expert states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to operating her own business entirely, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, but that was the method I used without risk," she explains.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.
"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"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 a new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've just left your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged to high levels lately.
One professional was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance assisted her process the change.
"Your experience doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor was fired after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – focusing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring professional networks and saving a selection of that you like.
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