We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Find a New Job That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our work lives.
A pair of editors who left their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested everything into the job... I believed in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.
They both chose to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you process it.
"We use so many soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're candid about it, the sooner you can progress.
"It's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one leading her own firm and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, here are four approaches that can help.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's common to experience some unease regarding your job following time off.
A career expert highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a new job search.
She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your accomplishments to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she notes.
She also states it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being truthful about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your personal life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The advisor states that individuals can implement incremental moves for a career transition without diving in headfirst.
She herself took seven years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own company full-time, building the venture while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she says.
She advocates for a "try before you buy" approach.
This can include pro bono work, joining a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they act as a move forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That can be a clever tactic for getting closer to your desired transition."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged to high levels recently.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously her entire team lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her ability helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your power, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own worth."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of job loss is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
When you're actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.
"Identify {the words|the
