We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – This Is How to Secure a New Job That Fits Your Needs

Two women talking about job changes
Professionals discuss their path following redundancy in a new book.

The start of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.

Two editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.

"I invested all my energy into that role... I trusted in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values didn't apply," she states.

They both chose to say "let go" and believe that being open about the situation can aid you deal with the event.

"People rely on countless euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you desire to do next," she continues.

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, with one running her own firm and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, these are four methods for guidance.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

Individual reflecting about career

It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.

A professional advisor highlights the importance of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.

She encourages people to consider what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.

Examining your past successes to spot underlying threads can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she states.

A former editor says it is vital to decide what place your job occupies in your life.

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

Following her job loss, she advises preventing yourself be dictated by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

Individual making small steps

The advisor says people can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating a company full-time, working on her project concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.

"It needed additional time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she says.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This might involve pro bono work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a step in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to your desired career, yet not in the same field.

"It involves granting yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is an intelligent tactic to get closer to your desired transition."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

For anyone who has just left your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased significantly in recent times.

One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

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

"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for all individuals to remember their own value."

Another professional was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.

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

4. Develop a Job Search List

Individual creating a checklist

When you're urgently looking for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Rather, she recommends an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that seem promising.

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Jose Jackson
Jose Jackson

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle writer with a passion for exploring how innovation shapes daily experiences and personal growth.