We Got Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs

Two professionals discussing job changes
Experts talk about their path after job loss in a new book.

The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.

"I invested my heart into the job... I had faith in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values didn't apply," a former editor says.

They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and believe that being open about the situation can help you handle the event.

"People rely on numerous soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.

"That's the quickest route to what you wish to pursue next," she continues.

Now, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one owning her own media company and the other working as top editor for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, these are four methods that can help.

1. Reflect On Last Year

Person thinking about work

It's common to have a bit low concerning your career after a holiday break.

A career expert stresses the necessity of introspection before starting a new job search.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains their energy.

Looking back at your past successes to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid considering only the last month, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she states.

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

This involves being truthful regarding the hours you're working and the influence on your personal and social life.

After being let go, she advises against letting yourself be shaped solely by your career.

2. Make Small Steps

Individual making gradual progress

The advisor says people can take gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She took several years to transition from a corporate role to running a company full-time, building the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It required more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She advocates for an experimental approach.

This can include pro bono work, joining a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.

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

She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a step in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same area.

"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.

"That can be a very smart tactic to get nearer to your desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

Career accomplishments

Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have increased markedly recently.

One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recognize their own worth."

Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

Person making a checklist

If you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – disregarding personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that capture your interest.

She suggests browsing job platforms and saving a selection of that appeal to you.

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Brandon Anderson
Brandon Anderson

A professional poker strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing odds and coaching players to success.