We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Fits for You
The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our work lives.
A pair of editors who lost their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the job... I believed in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," a former editor states.
They both opted to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can help you handle it.
"People rely on numerous euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the fast track to anything you want next," she notes.
Today, they are excelling in different roles, where one leading her own firm and another holding the position of lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to feel some unease about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the value of introspection before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your past successes to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.
A former editor states it is vital to decide where your work plays in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your family and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises preventing your identity be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Small Steps
The advisor says people can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to move from a traditional job to operating a company full-time, working on her project while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she comments.
She advocates for a test-run strategy.
This could be volunteering, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or accepting something different within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move forward, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It's about granting yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That can be an intelligent strategy for moving closer to your desired transition."
3. Remember Your Successes
If you've recently lost your job, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen markedly lately.
A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously her entire team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.
"What you've learned doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own worth."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the shame of dismissal is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – ignoring your own happiness.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests searching professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
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