We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Works Your Needs
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
A pair of editors who left their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I trusted in the ethos we promoted. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," one of them remarks.
They both opted to employ the word "fired" and argue that being open about what happened can help you process the experience.
"People rely on numerous euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're honest about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the fast track to anything you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, these are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension about work after a holiday break.
A career expert stresses the value of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Examining your past successes to identify common themes is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor states it is important to decide where your work fits in your life.
This means being truthful about how much time you're working and the influence on your social and family life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing yourself be defined by your work.
2. Make Incremental Actions
The advisor says people can implement gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.
She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to managing a company full-time, building her project while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" approach.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a move in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It means allowing yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean permanent.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for getting nearer to a desired transition."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
If you've just left your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged markedly lately.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, previously she were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this event did not reflect of her performance helped her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to remember their own worth."
Another professional was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the stigma of job loss is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.
She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.
"What are {the words|the
