We Got Fired, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Works Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I had faith in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," she says.
The two chose to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can help you deal with the event.
"There are countless euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can progress.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you want next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one leading her own firm and another holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are just contemplating a change, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's common to have some unease regarding your job following time off.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find common themes is useful too. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
She also states it is crucial to establish the role of work fits in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your personal and family life.
Following her job loss, she advises against letting your identity be shaped solely by your work.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating a company entirely, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.
"It took more time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She suggests a test-run method.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a move towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact field.
"It's about giving yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be an intelligent approach for moving much closer to a desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have increased markedly recently.
One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this event was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't go away just because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of new leadership.
She stresses that much of the stigma associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that seem appealing.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
