We Got Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a New Role That Fits for You
The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I believed in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being honest about what happened can help you handle the experience.
"We use numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to whatever you want next," she notes.
Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one running her own media company and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are considering a shift, these are four methods that can help.
1. Consider The Previous Year
It's common to experience a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A career expert highlights the value of introspection before embarking on a new job search.
She advises professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Examining your achievements to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she states.
A former editor notes it is crucial to decide the role of work plays in your life.
This involves being honest about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your personal life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your job.
2. Make Small Steps
The expert notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company full-time, building her idea concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.
"It required a bit longer, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she states.
She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a step in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"That can be an intelligent approach to get much closer to a desired transition."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
If you've recently lost your job, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen to high levels lately.
One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of new leadership.
She stresses that much of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
If you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She advises exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
