We Got Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a New Job That Suits for You
A new year's onset is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who left their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I poured everything into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "fired" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you process it.
"There are countless euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the faster you're truthful about it, the sooner you can progress.
"It's the direct path to what you want to do next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
If you've been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's common to experience some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the importance of looking back prior to launching a new job search.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
Another professional notes it is vital to determine the role of work fits in your life.
This involves being candid about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your identity be defined by your job.
2. Take Gradual Moves
She states that individuals can take gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.
She took seven years to move from her corporate career to running a company completely, developing her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.
She suggests an experimental strategy.
This could be volunteering, participating in a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she states.
She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a step forward, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact field.
"It means giving yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a clever approach to get much closer to a desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged significantly lately.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.
Recognizing that this was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for everyone to remember their own value."
Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that much of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Job Search List
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that seem appealing.
She recommends searching professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
