We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the job... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," one of them remarks.
The two opted to use the term "fired" and suggest that being open about it can aid you handle the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.
"That is the direct path to whatever you wish next," she adds.
Currently, they are excelling in new positions, with one leading her own firm and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been laid off or are looking for a new career, here are four strategies for guidance.
1. Contemplate Last Year
It's typical to feel some apprehension concerning your career following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to find underlying threads can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.
Another professional states it is vital to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This means being honest about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your family life.
Following her job loss, she recommends not allowing yourself be defined by your work.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
She states that individuals can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from a traditional job to managing her own business full-time, working on her project concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.
"It needed a bit longer, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She suggests a "try before you buy" method.
This might involve volunteering, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a different task at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as progress towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same field.
"It involves granting yourself the space to say this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That represents an intelligent tactic for moving closer to that new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged significantly lately.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously she were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Realizing that this did not reflect of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everybody to recall their own worth."
Her colleague was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.
She stresses that much of the stigma of job loss is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
4. Create a Job Search List
For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that seem appealing.
She recommends searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.
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