We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Secure a New Role That Suits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I believed in the principles we promoted. But in my case, those values didn't apply," a former editor says.
They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you process it.
"People rely on numerous soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the quickest route to what you desire to do next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, where one owning her own media company and another holding the position of lead editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four methods that can help.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's common to feel a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of introspection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.
Reviewing your accomplishments to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
She also notes it is crucial to determine where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your family and social life.
After being let go, she advises not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The advisor states that individuals can take gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.
Her own journey took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to running her own business full-time, building her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It took more time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she says.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, participating in an initiative that interests you, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've committed fully," she states.
Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a move in the right direction, like a job with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same area.
"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is an intelligent strategy for getting closer to your new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
For anyone who has recently lost your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen markedly recently.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, previously her entire team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for everybody to remember their own value."
Another professional was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring personal fulfillment.
But this is a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.
She advises searching job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
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