We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that includes considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into the position... I believed in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," one of them remarks.
Both individuals chose to say "dismissed" and suggest that being open about the situation can aid you deal with the event.
"There are countless euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the direct path to whatever you wish to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are excelling in different roles, with one running a media business and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, here are four strategies to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to have a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach highlights the importance of introspection before starting the search for a new role.
She advises individuals to think about what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains their energy.
Examining your past successes to find underlying threads can also help. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she states.
Another professional says it is crucial to establish where your work occupies in your life.
This involves being truthful about how much time you're working and its impact on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor states that individuals can take incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She herself took several years to transition from her corporate career to running her own company completely, working on her project alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.
"It needed a bit longer, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a step forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It's about allowing yourself the space to say this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a very smart approach to get nearer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Successes
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen significantly recently.
She was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but in 2022 she were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this did not reflect of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."
The other editor lost her job after ten years in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."
4. Create a Career Checklist
When you're urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that seem appealing.
She recommends browsing job platforms and collecting around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
