We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Suits for You
A new year's onset is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.
Two editors who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I poured all my energy into that role... I believed in the ethos we promoted. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," one of them says.
The two opted to say "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can aid you deal with the event.
"People rely on countless alternative phrases for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire to do next," she continues.
Currently, they are excelling in new ventures, with one leading her own firm and the other serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have lost your job or are just considering a shift, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's common to feel a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.
A professional advisor highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to find underlying threads can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.
A former editor notes it is important to establish what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being candid about how much time you spend working and its effect on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She required a long period to move from her corporate career to running a company completely, developing her project concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It needed a bit longer, however, that was my approach without risk," she explains.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.
This might involve volunteering, joining a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as a move forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It means giving yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"That can be a very smart tactic to get closer to a career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Recognizing that this event was not indicative of her performance allowed her to cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't disappear just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for all individuals to remember their own worth."
Her colleague was let go after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in management and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that much of the embarrassment of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
