We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a New Job That Suits You Personally

Two professionals discussing job changes
Experts talk about their journey following redundancy in a recent publication.

A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes considering our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who left their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated everything into the job... I had faith in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those principles weren't there," a former editor states.

The two chose to say "fired" and argue that being honest about what happened can assist you handle it.

"There are countless euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can progress.

"That's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she adds.

Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running her own media company and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been made redundant or are just considering a shift, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

Individual reflecting about work

It's common to have a bit low about work post-festive period.

A careers coach stresses the importance of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Reviewing your past successes to find common themes can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she adds.

Another professional notes it is vital to decide what place your job fits in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you spend working and the influence on your personal life.

Following her job loss, she recommends preventing your identity be shaped solely by your job.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

Individual making small steps

The expert notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She took seven years to move from her corporate career to running a company entirely, developing the venture alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It took more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She advocates for an experimental strategy.

This could be pro bono work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, but they act as progress towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your desired career, yet not in the same area.

"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.

"That can be an intelligent tactic for moving nearer to your career change."

3. Remember Your Achievements

List of achievements

For anyone who has just left your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly lately.

She was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously she lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.

Understanding that this did not reflect of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience remains with you just because you were let go.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."

Another professional lost her job after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of a different editor.

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

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Career Checklist

Person making a checklist

If you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – overlooking your own happiness.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Identify {the words|the

Christine Carey
Christine Carey

A cultural historian and critic with a passion for uncovering timeless themes in modern artistic expressions.