We Got Dismissed, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Secure a Fresh Position That Suits for You

Two professionals talking about job changes
Professionals talk about their path after job loss in a recent publication.

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

Two publishing professionals who left their roles following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.

"I dedicated everything into that role... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," one of them remarks.

Both individuals opted to say "let go" and suggest that being honest about the situation can aid you handle the event.

"We use countless euphemisms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the quicker you're candid about it, the quicker you can progress.

"That is the direct path to whatever you wish to do next," she adds.

Today, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running a media business and the other serving as lead editor for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been laid off or are looking for a new career, these are four methods to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

Person thinking about career

It's typical to feel a bit low about work post-festive period.

A career expert emphasizes the necessity of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Examining your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.

Another professional says it is crucial to establish where your work occupies in your life.

This involves being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and its effect on your personal life.

Following her job loss, she recommends preventing your identity be shaped solely by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

Person taking gradual progress

She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to managing a company full-time, building her project while still employed, which allowed financial stability.

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

She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've made the move," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a move towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different area.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.

"This is a very smart approach for moving closer to your desired transition."

3. Remember Your Successes

List of achievements

Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have risen markedly recently.

A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.

Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"Your experience remains with you simply due to lost your job.

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

The other editor lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a new editor.

She notes that so much of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame forward."

4. Build a Job Search List

Person making a checklist

When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that sound interesting.

She advises searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

"Identify {the words|the

Eric Vazquez
Eric Vazquez

Elara is a passionate writer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in digital content creation and storytelling.