We Got Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Job That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who left their positions due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.
"I poured all my energy into that role... I believed in the ethos we promoted. But in my case, those values were absent," a former editor says.
The two decided to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about the situation can aid you handle the experience.
"There are numerous soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.
"It's the fast track to anything you desire to pursue next," she continues.
Today, they are succeeding in new positions, where one owning her own firm and another serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four methods for guidance.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to experience a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains them.
Reviewing your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often suffer from for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she notes.
Another professional states it is vital to decide where your work plays in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal and social life.
Following her job loss, she suggests preventing your life be dictated by your job.
2. Implement Small Steps
The advisor states that individuals can make small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own company completely, developing the venture while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she says.
She advocates for an experimental method.
This might involve volunteering, joining a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to something different within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a move towards your goal, like a job with similarities to the career you want, but in a different field.
"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent tactic for moving much closer to a new career."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
If you've recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.
Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"What you've learned remains with you because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."
Another professional was let go after ten years with a finance publication after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma of job loss is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.
But this is a big misstep.
Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that sound interesting.
She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the