We Got Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Fits You Personally
A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I invested my heart into that role... I had faith in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.
The two chose to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about the situation can help you deal with the event.
"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you want to pursue next," she continues.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been laid off or are just looking for a new career, here are four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's common to feel some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.
A careers coach emphasizes the importance of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.
She advises professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Reviewing your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she notes.
She also states it is important to establish the role of work plays in your life.
This involves being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your personal life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing yourself be defined by your job.
2. Make Gradual Moves
She notes that professionals can make small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to running her own business completely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.
"It needed more time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for an experimental approach.
This can include volunteering, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or agreeing to a different task at your present job.
"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.
She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as progress towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That can be an intelligent tactic to get nearer to your career change."
3. Remember Your Successes
If you've just left your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged markedly recently.
One professional held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant after the company discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this event was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"Your experience doesn't go away because you were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everybody to remember their own worth."
Her colleague was fired after a decade with a finance publication after a change at the top and the appointment of a different editor.
She notes that a lot of the shame of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Professional Checklist
For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that seem appealing.
She suggests searching professional networks and gathering several that seem promising.
"Look for {the words|the
