We Got Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our work lives.
A pair of editors who left their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested everything into the position... I had faith in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
They both chose to say "fired" and argue that being honest about the situation can help you deal with the experience.
"We use so many alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"It's the quickest route to anything you wish to do next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, with one owning a media business and the other holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've lost your job or are just contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to feel some apprehension about work after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the value of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.
Reviewing your past successes to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to considering only the recent past, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.
A former editor says it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal life.
After her own experience, she advises preventing your life be dictated by your career.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to running her own business completely, building her idea concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.
"It required more time, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.
She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.
This can include volunteering, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.
"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
She also encourages looking into interim roles. These may not be the dream position, yet they function as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to your target field, but in a different area.
"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.
"That represents a very smart tactic to get closer to your desired transition."
3. Recall Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen markedly recently.
A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, previously she were laid off when the firm closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your power, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a new editor.
She stresses that much of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that feeling forward."
4. Create a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – ignoring what suits you.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.
She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving several that appeal to you.
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