We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Fits for You

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

A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who lost their positions due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I poured my heart into the job... I believed in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

Both individuals chose to use the term "let go" and believe that being transparent about it can help you deal with the event.

"People rely on so many soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the fast track to what you want to do next," she adds.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning her own media company and another serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

If you've lost your job or are considering a shift, consider these four approaches for guidance.

1. Consider The Past Year

Person thinking about work

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

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

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to identify common themes is useful too. "Try not to considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she notes.

A former editor notes it is important to establish what place your job plays in your life.

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

After being let go, she recommends not allowing your life be defined by your career.

2. Make Gradual Moves

Person taking gradual progress

The expert states that individuals can take small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to running her own business entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she says.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" method.

This might involve volunteering, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.

"It means granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"This is an intelligent tactic for moving nearer to that career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

List of achievements

Should you have recently lost your position, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.

She was the top editor in a magazine, previously she and her team lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.

Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her performance allowed her to cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.

"Do not surrender your power, it's crucial for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."

Another professional lost her job after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

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

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

4. Create a Job Search List

Person making a checklist

When you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She advises searching professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

"Identify {the words|the

Dawn Murphy
Dawn Murphy

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and emerging technologies, passionate about simplifying complex innovations.