We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a Fresh Position That Suits for You
The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.
A pair of editors who left their roles after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I dedicated all my energy into the job... I trusted in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," one of them remarks.
Both individuals decided to say "let go" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can help you deal with the experience.
"We use so many alternative phrases for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're honest about it, the quicker you can advance.
"It's the direct path to whatever you want next," she notes.
Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading her own media company and another working as top editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've lost your job or are just contemplating a change, here are four methods to assist you.
1. Consider Last Year
It's natural to experience a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert emphasizes the importance of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains them.
Reviewing your past successes to find underlying threads can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder the process," she adds.
A former editor says it is important to determine where your work fits in your life.
This involves being truthful about the amount of time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.
After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your life be shaped solely by your career.
2. Make Incremental Actions
She notes that professionals can make small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
She took several years to move from a traditional job to running her own company full-time, building her project while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.
"It took additional time, but that represented my approach without risk," she says.
She suggests an experimental method.
This could be pro bono work, participating in a work project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now instead of after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also advises considering interim roles. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as a move in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact area.
"It involves granting yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for moving closer to your new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have just left your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have risen significantly in recent times.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 she lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.
"Don't give up your power, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own worth."
The other editor was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.
She stresses that much of the shame of job loss is internal.
"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."
4. Build a Career Checklist
If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a method called "scanning" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing job platforms and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
