We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a New Job That Fits for You

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

The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.

"I poured my heart into the position... I believed in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.

Both individuals opted to say "fired" and suggest that being honest about it can aid you process it.

"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the direct path to whatever you desire to do next," she notes.

Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one leading her own media company and another holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, here are four methods to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

Person thinking about career

It's natural to have some unease concerning your career after a holiday break.

A career expert highlights the importance of reflection prior to launching a new job search.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors motivates or depletes their energy.

Examining your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to just looking at the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.

A former editor states it is vital to determine what place your job plays in your life.

This means being truthful about how much time you're working and its impact on your family life.

After being let go, she suggests preventing your identity be defined by your work.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Person taking gradual progress

The advisor notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.

Her own journey required a long period to move from a traditional job to running her own company entirely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It took additional time, but that represented how I did it without risk," she explains.

She suggests a test-run method.

This might involve pro bono work, participating in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step forward, like a job with parallels to your target field, but in a different area.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents a clever strategy for moving much closer to a career change."

3. Remember Your Achievements

List of achievements

If you've just left your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen significantly lately.

One professional was the top editor at a style magazine, but a few years ago she were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.

Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability helped her handle the transition.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you were let go.

"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own worth."

Another professional was fired after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

Person making a checklist

When you're urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that capture your interest.

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

"Identify {the words|the

Lisa Thomas
Lisa Thomas

Lena Voss is a professional poker player and coach with over a decade of experience, specializing in tournament strategy and mental game techniques.