We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Find a New Role That Suits Your Needs

Two women discussing career transitions
Professionals discuss their journey after job loss in a new book.

The beginning 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 were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.

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

They both chose to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about it can aid you deal with it.

"We use numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're candid about it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the fast track to what you desire to do next," she notes.

Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one running a media business and another holding the position of lead editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four methods for guidance.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

Individual reflecting about career

It's typical to have some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.

A professional advisor stresses the value of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.

Reviewing your accomplishments to find common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone suffer from for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.

A former editor says it is crucial to determine the role of work occupies in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your social and social life.

Following her job loss, she suggests preventing your life be dictated by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

Individual making small steps

She says people can make gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to managing her own company completely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

"It needed additional time, but that represented the method I used without risk," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This could be volunteering, joining a work project you find appealing, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's better to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as a move forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It's about granting yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"This is a very smart strategy for moving much closer to your career change."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

If you've recently lost your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have increased markedly lately.

One professional was the top editor in a magazine, previously she and her team were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.

Understanding that this was not indicative of her performance assisted her process the change.

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

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She stresses that much of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Build a Career Checklist

Person making a list

When you're desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that sound interesting.

She advises browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

"Identify {the words|the

John Harper
John Harper

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.