We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Find a New Job That Fits for You
The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.
"I dedicated my heart into the job... I had faith in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," one of them says.
The two chose to say "let go" and believe that being transparent about what happened can assist you deal with it.
"There are countless euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That is the fast track to anything you desire to pursue next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in new positions, with one leading her own firm and another serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's typical to experience a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the value of looking back before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes them.
Looking back at your past successes to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she notes.
She also notes it is important to determine the role of work fits in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your personal and family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests against letting yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Gradual Moves
The expert says people can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without committing fully.
She took seven years to transition from her corporate career to running her own business entirely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required a bit longer, but that was my approach sustainably," she explains.
She suggests an experimental method.
This can include volunteering, participating in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also advises considering interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a move towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same area.
"It means granting yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.
"That can be a clever strategy to get much closer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Achievements
For anyone who has just left your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged to high levels in recent times.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a different editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma of job loss is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."
4. Create a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests searching professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
