The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I had faith in the ethos we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals opted to use the term "let go" and argue that being open about it can help you handle the experience.
"We use so many euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the direct path to whatever you wish to do next," she notes.
Currently, they are excelling in new positions, with one owning her own firm and another holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.
For those who have been made redundant or are looking for a new career, these are four methods to assist you.
1. Contemplate The Past Year
It's natural to experience a bit low about work post-festive period.
A careers coach stresses the necessity of reflection before starting a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your past successes to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the recent past, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she adds.
Another professional says it is vital to establish the role of work occupies in your life.
This requires being candid about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your family and social life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be dictated by your work.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert says people can take incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.
She took seven years to transition from a corporate role to running a company entirely, working on her project while still employed, which allowed financial stability.
"It took more time, but that represented how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.
She recommends a "try before you buy" method.
This could be pro bono work, joining a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.
"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's better to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to your target field, but in a different area.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.
"That can be an intelligent tactic to get much closer to your desired transition."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged significantly recently.
One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.
Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability allowed her to process the change.
"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you lost your job.
"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own value."
The other editor was let go after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.
She notes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Job Search List
For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a big misstep.
Rather, she recommends an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends searching professional networks and saving several that seem promising.
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