The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.
Two editors who left their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I poured my heart into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.
The two chose to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can assist you deal with the event.
"There are countless soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the faster you can progress.
"That is the quickest route to whatever you wish next," she continues.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of lead editor for a luxury magazine.
Whether you've been laid off or are just contemplating a change, these are four strategies for guidance.
It's typical to experience some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.
A career expert emphasizes the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your accomplishments to find common themes can also help. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she states.
A former editor notes it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal and family life.
After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your identity be dictated by your job.
The expert states that individuals can take small steps for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to managing her own company entirely, developing her project concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.
She recommends a test-run method.
This could be volunteering, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.
"If it fails, you discover you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as a move forward, like a job with similarities to the career you want, but in a different area.
"It involves allowing yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents an intelligent approach to get nearer to that desired transition."
Should you have just left your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged markedly lately.
A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs when the firm closed the print version.
Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her skills assisted her handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you simply due to were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."
Another professional was let go after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.
She notes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame around with you."
If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
However, this represents a major error.
Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
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