We Got Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Works for You
A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that involves considering our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated my heart into the job... I had faith in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor says.
The two opted to use the term "let go" and believe that being open about it can assist you deal with the experience.
"There are countless alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the fast track to whatever you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, where one running her own media company and the other serving as top editor for a high-end journal.
Whether you've lost your job or are just looking for a new career, these are four approaches that can help.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.
A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of looking back before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts them.
Reviewing your past successes to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she states.
A former editor says it is crucial to decide where your work plays in your life.
This involves being honest regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Small Steps
The expert says people can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from a corporate role to running a company completely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" method.
This can include volunteering, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't permanent.
"That can be a clever strategy for moving closer to your desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has just left your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased significantly lately.
One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance helped her handle the transition.
"Your experience remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their own value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the arrival of new leadership.
She stresses that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – overlooking personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a major error.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that seem appealing.
She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
