We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Secure a Fresh Position That Fits You Personally
The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.
"I invested my heart into the position... I trusted in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," one of them says.
Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being honest about it can assist you process the experience.
"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the sooner you can move on.
"That is the quickest route to anything you desire to pursue next," she adds.
Today, they are succeeding in new positions, with one running her own media company and the other holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.
If you've been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On The Past Year
It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job following time off.
A careers coach emphasizes the value of introspection before embarking on a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains their energy.
Examining your accomplishments to find underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she notes.
Another professional notes it is important to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This involves being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its impact on your family life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing yourself be defined by your job.
2. Make Incremental Actions
She states that individuals can take small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
Her own journey took several years to move from a corporate role to running her own company entirely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed additional time, but that was how I did it without risk," she explains.
She recommends an experimental approach.
This could be volunteering, participating in a work project that interests you, or accepting something different at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.
She also encourages exploring interim roles. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a move in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't for all time.
"That can be a clever tactic to get closer to your career change."
3. Acknowledge Your Achievements
If you've recently lost your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly in recent times.
She was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not a reflection of her ability assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the arrival of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Build a Job Search List
If you're actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.
She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that seem promising.
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