We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – This Is How to Find a Fresh Position That Suits Your Needs

Two women talking about job changes
Professionals discuss their journey after job loss in a recent publication.

A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I poured my heart into that role... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos were absent," she states.

They both opted to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you process it.

"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid about it, the quicker you can move on.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire to do next," she continues.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading her own media company and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

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

1. Reflect On The Past Year

Person thinking about work

It's common to have some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.

A career expert stresses the value of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains them.

Looking back at your accomplishments to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she notes.

Another professional notes it is crucial to determine where your work plays in your life.

This involves being honest about how much time you spend working and its effect on your family and social life.

After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be defined by your job.

2. Take Small Steps

Individual making gradual progress

The advisor says people can make incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.

Her own journey required a long period to transition from a corporate role to running her own business entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It needed additional time, however, that was my approach without risk," she explains.

She recommends a test-run approach.

This can include pro bono work, joining an initiative you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also encourages exploring interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a step in the right direction, like a job with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same area.

"It means allowing yourself the permission to accept this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent strategy to get nearer to a new career."

3. Remember Your Achievements

List of achievements

For anyone who has just left your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged to high levels lately.

A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this event did not reflect of her ability helped her cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own worth."

The other editor was let go after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are very much not you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

Person making a list

If you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, the temptation is to jump at at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.

However, this represents a major error.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that capture your interest.

She advises exploring job platforms and collecting several that appeal to you.

"Look for {the words|the

Christina Clark
Christina Clark

A seasoned esports analyst and former professional gamer, sharing strategies to help players excel.