We Got Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Suits for You

Two women talking about career transitions
Experts talk about their journey following redundancy in a recent publication.

The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.

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

"I dedicated everything into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.

The two opted to say "fired" and suggest that being open about it can help you deal with it.

"There are numerous euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in different roles, where one owning a media business and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been laid off or are just contemplating a change, consider these four approaches to assist you.

1. Consider The Past Year

Person thinking about work

It's natural to experience a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.

A career expert stresses the importance of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.

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

Examining your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.

Another professional notes it is vital to establish where your work fits in your life.

This requires being candid about how much time you spend working and its effect on your personal life.

After her own experience, she advises against letting yourself be dictated by your career.

2. Make Small Steps

Individual making gradual progress

She says people can implement small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own company entirely, working on her idea alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it without risk," she comments.

She advocates for an experimental approach.

This might involve pro bono work, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they serve as a move in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.

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

"That can be a very smart tactic to get nearer to your career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

List of achievements

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged to high levels in recent times.

She held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

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

The other editor was let go after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the appointment of new leadership.

She notes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

Person making a checklist

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

But this is a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that seem appealing.

She advises exploring job platforms and gathering a selection of that seem promising.

"What are {the words|the

Sara Martin
Sara Martin

A passionate fantasy writer and gamer who crafts immersive tales inspired by ancient myths and modern adventures.