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

Two professionals discussing job changes
Experts talk about their journey after job loss in a new book.

The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated everything into the job... I trusted in the principles we promoted. But in my case, those values weren't there," she states.

Both individuals chose to say "fired" and argue that being honest about what happened can aid you handle the experience.

"We use countless alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the fast track to whatever you desire to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading her own media company and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, here are four strategies for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

Person thinking about career

It's natural to experience a bit low about work post-festive period.

A career expert emphasizes the value of introspection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your past successes to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she notes.

She also says it is vital to decide where your work fits in your life.

This requires being truthful about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your family life.

Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your career.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Person taking small steps

She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

She took several years to move from her corporate career to operating her own business full-time, building her idea alongside her job, which meant financial stability.

"It took additional time, however, that was my approach without risk," she explains.

She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteer work, participating in a work project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.

"It means giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.

"That can be an intelligent strategy to get much closer to a desired transition."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

If you've recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged to high levels lately.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.

Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you were let go.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to remember their own value."

Another professional lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.

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

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."

4. Create a Job Search List

Person making a checklist

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring your own happiness.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She recommends exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.

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Mrs. Mindy Carey
Mrs. Mindy Carey

Lena is a passionate gamer and tech writer, specializing in indie games and esports coverage.