We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Suits for You
A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.
"I invested everything into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," one of them remarks.
They both decided to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about it can help you deal with the event.
"There are numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the quickest route to whatever you wish to do next," she notes.
Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of lead editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's natural to feel a bit low about work following time off.
A careers coach stresses the value of reflection prior to launching a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains them.
Examining your past successes to identify common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.
Another professional states it is vital to establish where your work fits in your life.
This means being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your social life.
Following her job loss, she advises preventing your life be shaped solely by your career.
2. Make Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can make small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She required a long period to transition from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, working on her idea alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She suggests an experimental method.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to know now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same field.
"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.
"This is an intelligent strategy for getting nearer to your desired transition."
3. Recall Your Achievements
If you've just left your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have surged markedly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her ability helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."
The other editor was let go after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Career Checklist
If you're desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that seem appealing.
She recommends searching job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
