We Got Fired, and We Accept It – This Is How to Find a New Role That Suits for You

Two women talking about career transitions
Experts discuss their journey after job loss in a new book.

The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our professional paths.

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

"I poured my heart into the job... I trusted in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," one of them states.

Both individuals chose to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about it can assist you deal with the experience.

"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the sooner you can progress.

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

Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one running her own firm and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

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

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

Individual reflecting about work

It's typical to have some unease concerning your career following time off.

A career expert highlights the necessity of reflection before embarking on a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Examining your achievements to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she adds.

She also states it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you're working and its effect on your personal and social life.

After her own experience, she advises preventing your identity be shaped solely by your job.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Individual making gradual progress

The advisor states that individuals can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.

She took several years to transition from her corporate career to operating her own business full-time, working on the venture alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It required a bit longer, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.

She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteer work, joining a work project that interests you, or agreeing to something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's preferable to know now than after you've made the move," she states.

Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a move towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different area.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to say this works for now, however, that is not for all time.

"That represents a very smart strategy for moving closer to that desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

For anyone who has recently lost your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have increased to high levels in recent times.

A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.

Understanding that this was not a reflection of her ability assisted her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recall their own worth."

The other editor was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.

She notes that much of the shame of dismissal is internal.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

Person making a checklist

If you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.

But this is a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that sound interesting.

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

"Look for {the words|the

Lori Bryan
Lori Bryan

Elara is a certified fitness coach and wellness advocate with over a decade of experience in helping individuals achieve their health goals.