We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Works for You
A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our professional paths.
A pair of editors who left their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.
"I invested my heart into that role... I believed in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.
The two chose to use the term "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you deal with the experience.
"People rely on countless alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That's the direct path to what you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Currently, they are excelling in different roles, where one owning her own firm and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, these are four strategies for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's common to feel some unease regarding your job post-festive period.
A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to find common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she states.
She also notes it is vital to decide where your work fits in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its impact on your family and social life.
After being let go, she recommends not allowing yourself be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can implement incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating her own business full-time, developing her project while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It required a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she says.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"If it fails, you discover you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, but they act as progress towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"This is an intelligent approach for moving nearer to a career change."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased markedly in recent times.
She held a senior role in a magazine, previously she and her team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to recall their own value."
Her colleague was fired after ten years with a finance publication after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Create a Job Search List
When you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
But this is a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that sound interesting.
She recommends exploring professional networks and saving a selection of that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the