We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs

The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who lost their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated my heart into the position... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," one of them remarks.

Both individuals decided to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about what happened can aid you process the experience.

"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the faster you're truthful about it, the sooner you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you want to do next," she adds.

Today, they are excelling in new ventures, with one running a media business and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have been laid off or are looking for a new career, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's natural to have some apprehension about work following time off.

A professional advisor stresses the value of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes them.

Looking back at your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid considering only the recent past, as people often exhibit for recency bias that can impede the process," she states.

A former editor states it is vital to decide where your work occupies in your life.

This requires being honest about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.

After being let go, she advises preventing your identity be defined by your job.

2. Take Gradual Moves

She says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.

She herself took several years to move from a traditional job to operating a company entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It required more time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.

She advocates for an experimental method.

This could be pro bono work, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also advises considering interim roles. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a step forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"That represents a clever tactic for moving much closer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has recently lost your position, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased markedly recently.

A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.

Understanding that this was not indicative of her performance assisted her process the change.

"What you've learned doesn't go away because you were let go.

"Don't give up your power, it's important for everyone to recall their own value."

The other editor was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a different editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."

4. Create a Career Checklist

If you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – disregarding what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests searching job platforms and gathering a selection of that you like.

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