We Got Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits Your Needs

Two professionals talking about career transitions
Professionals discuss their path following redundancy in a new book.

The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes considering our work lives.

Two editors who lost their roles due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.

"I poured my heart into the job... I believed in the values we championed. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," one of them says.

The two opted to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being honest about what happened can assist you deal with the event.

"We use numerous soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"It's the quickest route to anything you desire to do next," she notes.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one leading her own firm and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, here are four approaches that can help.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

Person thinking about work

It's common to have some apprehension about work post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of reflection before starting a new job search.

She suggests people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Looking back at your past successes to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she adds.

Another professional notes it is crucial to decide what place your job occupies in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you're working and the influence on your personal life.

Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your life be defined by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

Individual making gradual progress

The advisor states that individuals can make small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.

She required a long period to transition from a traditional job to running her own company completely, developing her project concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It required additional time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she explains.

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

This might involve volunteering, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they serve as a step in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not for all time.

"This is a clever tactic for moving nearer to your new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

List of achievements

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have increased markedly recently.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.

Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.

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

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

Her colleague was fired after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in management and the appointment of new leadership.

She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Job Search List

Individual creating a list

If you're urgently looking for work or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search on job descriptions that capture your interest.

She advises browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that you like.

"Identify {the words|the

Alexandra James
Alexandra James

Award-winning investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political and social issues across Europe.