We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – This Is How to Find a New Role That Works for You
The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I believed in the principles we stood for. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," one of them says.
The two chose to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you process the event.
"People rely on countless alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you accept it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to whatever you desire next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in different roles, where one running her own media company and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have lost your job or are looking for a new career, here are four strategies that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to feel some apprehension regarding your job following time off.
A career expert stresses the importance of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they want to increase, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes them.
Reviewing your achievements to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.
Another professional says it is important to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This means being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your social life.
After her own experience, she suggests preventing yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Implement Small Steps
The expert says people can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She herself took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to managing a company full-time, working on the venture while still employed, which meant financial stability.
"It required additional time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she says.
She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.
This can include pro bono work, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting something different in your existing role.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, like a job with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same field.
"It involves granting yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"This is an intelligent approach for getting nearer to that desired transition."
3. Recall Your Achievements
Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen to high levels in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her skills assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to remember their own value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the arrival of new leadership.
She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."
4. Build a Professional Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
