The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our professional paths.
Two editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I invested everything into that role... I believed in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor says.
Both individuals chose to employ the word "fired" and believe that being transparent about it can assist you handle it.
"There are countless soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can progress.
"That's the direct path to whatever you wish to pursue next," she notes.
Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one running her own media company and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.
For those who have lost your job or are simply considering a shift, here are four methods for guidance.
It's natural to feel some unease about work after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the value of reflection before starting a new job search.
She suggests people to consider what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.
Looking back at your achievements to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.
She also says it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.
This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your personal and social life.
After being let go, she recommends preventing your identity be defined by your job.
The expert notes that professionals can take small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself took seven years to transition from a corporate role to running her own company entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It needed more time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a move in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.
"It involves giving yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't for all time.
"That represents an intelligent strategy for moving much closer to that desired transition."
For anyone who has recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged to high levels recently.
One professional held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she were laid off after the company closed the print version.
Understanding that this event did not reflect of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained remains with you because you lost your job.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their own worth."
The other editor lost her job after ten years in a business journal after a change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.
She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
When you're desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking your own happiness.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.
"What are {the words|the
A passionate textile artist and community organizer who loves inspiring others through creative sewing projects.
