We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Works You Personally
A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I believed in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," she states.
Both individuals decided to say "let go" and believe that being transparent about it can help you deal with it.
"We use numerous euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you accept it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can progress.
"That is the fast track to whatever you wish to do next," she adds.
Today, they are thriving in different roles, where one leading a media business and the other serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
If you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, consider these four methods to assist you.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's typical to have some unease concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of reflection before starting a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their energy.
Reviewing your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
Another professional states it is vital to decide where your work plays in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your personal life.
Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your identity be shaped solely by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
She states that individuals can make incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She took seven years to move from a corporate role to operating her own business completely, building the venture while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required more time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she explains.
She advocates for an experimental strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now than after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same area.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents a clever approach for moving much closer to your career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged to high levels recently.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you were let go.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for all individuals to recall their own worth."
The other editor was let go after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in management and the hiring of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding your own happiness.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring professional networks and collecting a selection of that you like.
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