We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Secure a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs

Two women talking about career transitions
Professionals discuss their path after job loss in a recent publication.

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

Two publishing professionals who left their roles after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.

"I poured everything into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. But in my case, those values didn't apply," she says.

They both decided to say "fired" and argue that being open about what happened can help you process the experience.

"People rely on numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can progress.

"It's the quickest route to whatever you wish next," she continues.

Today, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading her own firm and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, here are four methods to assist you.

1. Contemplate Last Year

Individual reflecting about work

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

A career expert stresses the necessity of looking back before embarking on the search for a new role.

She encourages people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and what inspires or drains them.

Examining your past successes to identify common themes is useful too. "Avoid considering only the recent past, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.

A former editor states it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This requires being truthful about how much time you spend working and the influence on your social and family life.

After being let go, she recommends against letting your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Make Gradual Moves

Individual making small steps

The advisor notes that professionals can take incremental moves for a career transition without a complete leap.

Her own journey took several years to move from a corporate role to managing her own business completely, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This could be volunteer work, joining a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"If it fails, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress forward, like a job with parallels to your target field, but in a different area.

"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That represents a clever approach for moving much closer to that desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

List of achievements

If you've just left your role, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have increased markedly in recent times.

She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.

Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.

"Do not surrender your power, it's crucial for all individuals to recall their own value."

Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal after a change at the top and the appointment of new leadership.

She notes that a lot of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

Person making a checklist

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests searching job platforms and saving a selection of that seem promising.

"Identify {the words|the

Charles Shields
Charles Shields

A software engineer and retro computing enthusiast with over 15 years of experience restoring vintage computers and documenting tech history.