The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes evaluating our career trajectories.
A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.
"I dedicated everything into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," a former editor states.
They both decided to say "dismissed" and believe that being honest about the situation can help you handle the experience.
"There are numerous euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.
"That's the quickest route to whatever you want to do next," she adds.
Now, they are excelling in new positions, where one leading a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
For those who have been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, here are four approaches to assist you.
It's natural to feel a bit low regarding your job following time off.
A careers coach highlights the value of looking back before starting a new job search.
She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.
Looking back at your achievements to find underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder clear thinking," she adds.
Another professional notes it is crucial to decide where your work plays in your life.
This involves being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and its impact on your social and family life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing your life be defined by your career.
She notes that professionals can take gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to running a company completely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.
"It needed additional time, but that was the method I used without risk," she says.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This could be volunteering, joining an initiative you find appealing, or accepting something different at your present job.
"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a move towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.
"It's about granting yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't for all time.
"This is a clever approach for getting much closer to that desired transition."
Should you have recently lost your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased markedly recently.
A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, previously she were made redundant after the company closed the print version.
Recognizing that this event did not reflect of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.
"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to were dismissed.
"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everyone to remember their own worth."
Another professional lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of new leadership.
She notes that much of the stigma of job loss is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."
If you're actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding your own happiness.
Yet, this can be a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
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