We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally
The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves considering our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I poured everything into the position... I believed in the principles we promoted. But in my case, those values didn't apply," a former editor remarks.
They both opted to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can help you handle the experience.
"People rely on so many soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're honest about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That's the direct path to anything you want to do next," she adds.
Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one leading her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.
If you've lost your job or are looking for a new career, consider these four approaches for guidance.
1. Reflect On Last Year
It's common to feel some apprehension regarding your job following time off.
A professional advisor emphasizes the value of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.
She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their energy.
Examining your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
A former editor notes it is important to decide what place your job fits in your life.
This involves being candid about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your personal and family life.
After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be dictated by your career.
2. Take Small Steps
The advisor says people can take incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.
She herself took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing a company completely, developing her project while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.
"It required more time, but that was my approach without risk," she comments.
She suggests a test-run method.
This can include volunteer work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.
"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.
Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.
"It means giving yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.
"This is a very smart approach for moving much closer to your new career."
3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently lost your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen to high levels in recent times.
She was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills assisted her process the change.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for all individuals to remember their own value."
The other editor lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.
She emphasizes that much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.
"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – focusing your search down to position summaries that capture your interest.
She suggests browsing professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
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