We Got Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Works for You
A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.
"I dedicated my heart into the position... I believed in the ethos we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," a former editor states.
The two chose to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about what happened can help you deal with the experience.
"There are so many euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest about it, the quicker you can move on.
"It's the fast track to whatever you desire next," she continues.
Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading a media business and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four strategies for guidance.
1. Consider The Past Year
It's typical to experience some apprehension about work following time off.
A professional advisor stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages people to consider what they want to increase, what to reduce, and what motivates or depletes their drive.
Reviewing your past successes to identify underlying threads can also help. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she notes.
A former editor states it is crucial to determine where your work fits in your life.
This means being honest about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your social life.
After being let go, she advises not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your career.
2. Take Gradual Moves
The expert says people can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.
She took several years to move from a corporate role to operating her own business entirely, building her project concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.
"It took additional time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she explains.
She recommends an experimental method.
This could be pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.
She also encourages looking into interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact field.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not permanent.
"This is an intelligent tactic to get closer to that desired transition."
3. Remember Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged significantly recently.
She was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this was not indicative of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned remains with you simply due to were dismissed.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague lost her job after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in management and the hiring of a different editor.
She emphasizes that so much of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.
Yet, this can be a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends searching professional networks and collecting several that appeal to you.
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