We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Suits for You

Two women talking about job changes
Experts talk about their journey after job loss in a new book.

A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

"I poured everything into the position... I trusted in the principles we championed. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," she remarks.

Both individuals opted to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being open about the situation can assist you deal with the experience.

"People rely on so many soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the sooner you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to anything you wish to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one leading a media business and the other holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four methods that can help.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

Person thinking about career

It's common to have a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.

A career expert stresses the value of introspection before starting a new job search.

She advises people to consider what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains their drive.

Reviewing your achievements to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.

Another professional states it is vital to determine what place your job plays in your life.

This requires being truthful about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.

After being let go, she advises against letting yourself be dictated by your career.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Person taking gradual progress

She says people can take small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to running a company entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.

"It required a bit longer, however, that was my approach without risk," she says.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" method.

This could be volunteer work, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a different task within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, but they act as progress forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same field.

"It means allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

"That can be a very smart strategy for getting much closer to that career change."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

Should you have just left your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased to high levels in recent times.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this was not a reflection of her performance assisted her handle the transition.

"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."

The other editor was fired after a decade in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that feeling forward."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

Individual creating a list

When you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding what suits you.

But this is a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a method called "browsing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests exploring professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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Jason Brock
Jason Brock

Lena is a passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering the gaming industry and its evolving trends.