🔗 Share this article

A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our professional paths.

Two editors who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," one of them says.

They both decided to use the term "fired" and believe that being honest about the situation can assist you handle it.

"There are so many alternative phrases for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"It's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one leading her own firm and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been laid off or are considering a shift, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

It's typical to feel some unease about work following time off.

A career expert highlights the necessity of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to find recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.

A former editor notes it is crucial to establish what place your job fits in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you spend working and the influence on your personal and social life.

After being let go, she advises against letting your life be shaped solely by your job.

2. Make Gradual Moves

She states that individuals can take gradual progress towards a career shift without a complete leap.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating her own business full-time, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.

"It required a bit longer, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she explains.

She recommends an experimental strategy.

This could be volunteering, joining an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.

"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've made the move," she adds.

She also advises looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a step in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't for all time.

"That represents a very smart strategy to get nearer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

If you've recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged significantly in recent times.

One professional was the top editor in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were let go.

"Do not surrender your power, it's vital for everyone to remember their own value."

Her colleague was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.

She notes that much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search on position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends browsing job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that you like.

"Look for {the words|the