We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Secure a New Role That Suits for You

Two professionals talking about career transitions
Experts talk about their journey following redundancy in a new book.

The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was a disaster.

"I poured everything into the position... I believed in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," a former editor says.

Both individuals decided to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can assist you deal with the event.

"There are so many euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you wish next," she adds.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, with one owning her own media company and another holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been made redundant or are simply considering a shift, consider these four methods for guidance.

1. Consider The Past Year

Person thinking about career

It's common to experience some apprehension about work following time off.

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

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder the process," she states.

A former editor says it is important to establish the role of work plays in your life.

This means being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your social and family life.

After being let go, she advises preventing your life be defined by your work.

2. Take Small Steps

Individual making small steps

The advisor states that individuals can implement small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She took seven years to move from her corporate career to running a company completely, building her idea while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It required more time, but that was my approach without risk," she comments.

She suggests an experimental approach.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've made the move," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, for example a position with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same area.

"It involves granting yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.

"This is an intelligent strategy for getting closer to that career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has just left your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased to high levels recently.

A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills helped her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were let go.

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

Another professional was let go after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of new leadership.

She emphasizes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling forward."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

Individual creating a list

When you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

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

She recommends exploring job platforms and collecting several that seem promising.

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Chase Pierce
Chase Pierce

Seasoned blackjack enthusiast and strategy coach with over a decade of experience in casino gaming.