We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a Fresh Position That Fits for You
A new year's onset is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves considering our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who lost their roles after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.
"I poured everything into the job... I believed in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," she says.
Both individuals opted to say "fired" and believe that being transparent about it can help you process the experience.
"People rely on countless soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest about it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the direct path to whatever you want to do next," she adds.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, with one running her own firm and another serving as lead editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Consider Last Year
It's typical to experience a bit low about work after a holiday break.
A career expert stresses the importance of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.
She suggests individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to considering only the recent past, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she adds.
A former editor states it is vital to decide where your work fits in your life.
This means being honest about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your life be shaped solely by your job.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert says people can make incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.
She took seven years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own company full-time, developing the venture while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She advocates for an experimental approach.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's better to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, yet not in the same industry or sector.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to say this works for now, but that does not mean for all time.
"This is a very smart approach to get nearer to that new career."
3. Remember Your Successes
Should you have recently lost your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased markedly recently.
She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills assisted her process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were let go.
"Don't give up your power, it's important for everybody to remember their own worth."
Another professional was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're urgently looking for employment or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends exploring professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
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