We Got Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Find a New Job That Fits Your Needs
A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.
"I invested my heart into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to use the term "let go" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can help you deal with the event.
"We use numerous soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest about it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the fast track to whatever you wish to do next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning her own firm and another serving as lead editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've lost your job or are just considering a shift, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to feel a bit low about work post-festive period.
A career expert highlights the necessity of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to identify common themes can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she states.
She also says it is crucial to determine the role of work plays in your life.
This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your social life.
Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your identity be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The expert says people can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.
Her own journey took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own company completely, developing the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, but that was the method I used without risk," she comments.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" method.
This could be volunteering, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a different task at your present job.
"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also encourages looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a step towards your goal, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy for moving much closer to your desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've just left your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged to high levels in recent times.
She was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously her entire team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was fired after ten years with a finance publication after a change at the top and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.
"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that feeling forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that sound interesting.
She advises exploring professional networks and gathering a selection of that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the