We Were Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally

Two women discussing career transitions
Experts discuss their path after job loss in a recent publication.

The beginning of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves considering our professional paths.

Two editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.

"I poured all my energy into the position... I believed in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," one of them remarks.

The two opted to use the term "fired" and believe that being honest about it can help you deal with the experience.

"We use numerous alternative phrases for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"That's the direct path to what you want to pursue next," she notes.

Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one running her own firm and another working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

Person thinking about career

It's typical to experience some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.

A professional advisor highlights the value of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to find recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.

Another professional says it is crucial to determine the role of work fits in your life.

This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social and social life.

Following her job loss, she advises against letting your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

Individual making gradual progress

She says people can take gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.

She herself took seven years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own business entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

"It took a bit longer, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.

This might involve volunteering, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as progress in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It's about giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent tactic to get much closer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has recently lost your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen significantly recently.

A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recall their intrinsic value."

Her colleague lost her job after a decade with a finance publication after a change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is internal.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Job Search List

Person making a checklist

If you're urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.

However, this represents a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that seem appealing.

She suggests searching job platforms and gathering a selection of that you like.

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Peter Garcia
Peter Garcia

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos and game reviews.