We Got Let Go, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a New Role That Fits for You

Two women talking about job changes
Professionals talk about their journey following redundancy in a recent publication.

The start of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes considering our work lives.

Two editors who left their positions following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.

"I poured all my energy into the job... I trusted in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," a former editor remarks.

Both individuals decided to employ the word "fired" and believe that being open about it can help you deal with the event.

"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you want next," she notes.

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

If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, here are four approaches that can help.

1. Consider The Previous Year

Individual reflecting about work

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

A careers coach stresses the necessity of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.

Looking back at your accomplishments to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she notes.

Another professional states it is crucial to determine the role of work plays in your life.

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

After being let go, she advises not allowing yourself be dictated by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

Person taking small steps

The advisor notes that professionals can implement gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.

She herself took seven years to move from a traditional job to managing her own company entirely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.

"It took additional time, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.

She advocates for an experimental method.

This could be pro bono work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a different task within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's better to know now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as a move towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact field.

"It involves granting yourself the permission to say this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"This is a very smart approach for moving much closer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Successes

Career accomplishments

If you've just left your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly recently.

One professional was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you lost your job.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."

Another professional was let go after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that much of the stigma of job loss is internal.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Create a Job Search List

Person making a list

For those who are urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – disregarding what suits you.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She advises searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

"Identify {the words|the

Ashley Archer
Ashley Archer

Elara is a certified mixologist with over a decade of experience in craft cocktail creation and bar management.