Being fired is a tough pill to swallow, but it's time to take control and find a job that truly fulfills you. Let's dive into some strategies to navigate this challenging situation.
Embracing the Truth: Owning Your Story
For Kristina O'Neill and Laura Brown, editors who experienced job loss due to restructures, the initial shock was overwhelming. Laura shares, "I poured my heart into my role, believing in the values we promoted, only to realize those values weren't extended to me."
They both chose to embrace the word "fired" and emphasize the importance of honesty. "Euphemisms are common when discussing job loss, but facing the truth head-on is the fastest way to move forward and create a new path," Laura adds.
And They Thrive:
Today, Laura owns her media company, while Kristina is the editor-in-chief at Sotheby's magazine. Their journey is a testament to resilience and self-belief.
A Guide to Finding Your Next Great Job:
Reflect and Recharge:
- Take time to assess your past year. Sarah Ellis, co-founder of Squiggly Careers, suggests evaluating what energizes and inspires you, and what drains your energy. Look for common themes in your successes to guide your next steps.
- Avoid the "recency bias" trap; consider the bigger picture beyond the last month.
Small Steps, Big Impact:
- Sarah encourages taking small, sustainable steps towards a career change. She shares her own journey, taking seven years to transition from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship, ensuring financial stability throughout.
- Try a "try before you buy" approach: volunteer, explore interesting work projects, or say yes to new opportunities within your current team. It's better to discover your true passions now than after making a big move.
- Consider "bridging roles" - roles that are not ideal but offer a stepping stone to your dream career. It's about creating space for growth and change.
Remember Your Worth:
- Job loss is common, especially with redundancies surging. Official figures indicate the highest rate since 2021. Remember, it's not a reflection of your skills or worth.
- Laura, formerly editor-in-chief of a style magazine, emphasizes that her skills and knowledge remained intact despite the closure of the print version.
- Kristina, fired after a decade at a financial magazine, stresses that the shame of being fired is often self-imposed. In the US, with hundreds of thousands of layoffs, it's important to separate personal value from external circumstances.
Create a Career Checklist:
- When feeling desperate or unhappy in your current role, it's easy to apply for any job, ignoring personal happiness. Sarah warns against this, suggesting an exercise called "scanning."
- "Scan" job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn, gathering 10-15 that interest you. Identify recurring words and themes to create your career checklist, ensuring applications align with your values and interests.
- Reflect on what has brought you happiness and unhappiness throughout your career. It might not be feasible all the time, but identifying these aspects can guide your job search.
Final Thoughts:
Job loss is a challenging experience, but it's an opportunity to rediscover your passions and create a fulfilling career. By embracing honesty, taking small steps, and valuing your achievements, you can navigate this journey with resilience and find a job that truly works for you.
What are your thoughts on this journey? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments!
