We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works for You
A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the position... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those values weren't there," a former editor states.
The two decided to say "fired" and believe that being honest about what happened can aid you process the experience.
"There are countless euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That's the quickest route to what you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, where one owning her own media company and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, these are four strategies to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to have some apprehension about work following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of reflection before starting a new job search.
She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Examining your past successes to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
She also notes it is vital to decide where your work plays in your life.
This involves being truthful about how much time you're working and the influence on your social and social life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your job.
2. Make Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can implement incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
Her own journey required a long period to move from her corporate career to managing a company full-time, developing her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took a bit longer, but that was my approach without risk," she comments.
She suggests a test-run method.
This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.
"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as progress towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, but in a different field.
"It means allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't for all time.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for getting closer to that career change."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has just left your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have risen markedly recently.
One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this event did not reflect of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were let go.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was let go after a decade in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.
She notes that much of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – focusing your search down to role profiles that seem appealing.
She advises browsing job platforms and gathering several that seem promising.
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