We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Land a New Job That Fits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them remarks.
The two opted to employ the word "fired" and believe that being open about the situation can help you handle it.
"We use countless euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That's the direct path to what you wish next," she continues.
Currently, they are excelling in new ventures, where one running a media business and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are just looking for a new career, here are four methods to assist you.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some unease regarding your job following time off.
A professional advisor highlights the importance of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She suggests people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your achievements to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she notes.
A former editor notes it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This means being candid regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social and family life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The advisor notes that professionals can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to transition from a traditional job to operating a company entirely, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.
"It required additional time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she explains.
She recommends a test-run approach.
This might involve volunteering, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as progress towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It means granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.
"This is an intelligent tactic to get nearer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Successes
For anyone who has recently lost your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged markedly recently.
She was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but in 2022 she were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her performance helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."
The other editor was fired following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests exploring professional networks and saving a selection of that appeal to you.
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