We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Fits Your Needs
The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses considering our professional paths.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into that role... I trusted in the values we promoted. But in my case, those values were absent," one of them says.
They both chose to use the term "let go" and argue that being honest about what happened can help you handle the experience.
"We use numerous soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"It's the direct path to whatever you want next," she continues.
Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one running her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
If you've been laid off or are just contemplating a change, these are four methods that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's natural to feel some unease about work following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their energy.
Looking back at your past successes to identify recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
Another professional says it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This involves being honest about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your family and social life.
Following her job loss, she advises against letting your life be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The advisor notes that professionals can make small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.
She herself required a long period to transition from her corporate career to running her own business full-time, developing her project concurrently with her role, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It took additional time, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.
This can include volunteering, joining an initiative you find appealing, or accepting something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've switched careers," she adds.
She also encourages considering interim roles. These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact field.
"It means granting yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not for all time.
"That can be a very smart tactic to get much closer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged to high levels recently.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
