We Got Fired, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Land a New Job That Fits Your Needs

Two women discussing career transitions
Professionals talk about their path following redundancy in a recent publication.

The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes considering our professional paths.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I trusted in the ethos we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos were absent," a former editor remarks.

The two decided to say "dismissed" and argue that being open about what happened can help you handle the event.

"People rely on numerous soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to anything you want to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one running a media business and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, consider these four methods to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

Individual reflecting about work

It's common to feel a bit low about work following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder the process," she states.

A former editor states it is vital to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This involves being honest about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your personal and family life.

Following her job loss, she advises preventing yourself be defined by your job.

2. Take Incremental Actions

Person taking gradual progress

She states that individuals can implement small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating a company full-time, working on her project while still employed, which meant financial stability.

"It needed more time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests an experimental approach.

This could be volunteering, joining a work project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you discover you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also encourages considering interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they act as progress in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

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

"That can be a very smart strategy for moving nearer to that desired transition."

3. Recall Your Successes

List of achievements

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased significantly in recent times.

She held a senior role at a style magazine, previously she were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your power, it's important for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."

The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She stresses that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Job Search List

Person making a list

For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.

She advises browsing professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

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Dr. Daniel Hardin
Dr. Daniel Hardin

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos and slot machine mechanics.