We Got Fired, and We Accept It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Suits Your Needs
A new year's onset is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos were absent," one of them remarks.
They both chose to use the term "fired" and believe that being transparent about it can aid you process the event.
"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the faster you can advance.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire to do next," she continues.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one owning a media business and another holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, these are four methods that can help.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's common to experience a bit low concerning your career following time off.
A careers coach highlights the value of reflection prior to launching a new job search.
She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what to reduce, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid just looking at the last month, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she states.
She also notes it is vital to determine what place your job plays in your life.
This means being truthful about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she suggests against letting your identity be defined by your career.
2. Take Incremental Actions
The advisor says people can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
Her own journey required a long period to transition from a traditional job to managing her own company full-time, working on the venture while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.
"It took more time, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This might involve volunteer work, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a move in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact area.
"It's about granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That can be a clever approach to get much closer to your new career."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have risen markedly recently.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, but in 2022 she lost their jobs when the firm closed the print version.
Recognizing that this event did not reflect of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was fired after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.
"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.
But this is a major error.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that appeal to you.
"Identify {the words|the
