We Were Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Find a New Role That Fits Your Needs

Two professionals talking about job changes
Experts talk about their journey following redundancy in a recent publication.

The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who left their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I poured all my energy into the position... I trusted in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," she states.

The two decided to use the term "let go" and believe that being transparent about it can help you handle the event.

"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, with one leading her own firm and the other holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, here are four approaches that can help.

1. Consider The Past Year

Individual reflecting about career

It's common to have a bit low regarding your job following time off.

A professional advisor stresses the importance of reflection before starting the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Examining your achievements to identify underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.

She also says it is vital to establish what place your job plays in your life.

This means being candid about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your social and family life.

After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be defined by your career.

2. Implement Gradual Moves

Individual making gradual progress

She states that individuals can make incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself required a long period to transition from a traditional job to managing a company full-time, working on her idea alongside her job, which meant she could pay herself.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was my approach without risk," she says.

She recommends a test-run strategy.

This might involve pro bono work, joining a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to a different task at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, but in a different area.

"It's about granting yourself the permission to say this works for now, but that isn't for all time.

"This is an intelligent approach to get nearer to your new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased significantly lately.

A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, previously she lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.

Recognizing that this event was not indicative of her performance allowed her to process the change.

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

"Don't give up your power, it's vital for all individuals to recall their intrinsic value."

The other editor was let go after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a new editor.

She stresses that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

Person making a list

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises exploring professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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Michael Gonzalez
Michael Gonzalez

A tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.