We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Suits Your Needs

Two women discussing career transitions
Experts discuss their journey following redundancy in a new book.

The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I poured everything into the job... I believed in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," one of them says.

The two decided to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being open about what happened can aid you process it.

"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

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

Now, they are excelling in different roles, where one owning her own media company and the other working as lead editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four strategies to assist you.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

Person thinking about career

It's natural to experience a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.

A career expert stresses the necessity of looking back prior to launching a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.

Reviewing your achievements to spot common themes can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she states.

Another professional says it is important to determine what place your job plays in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.

After her own experience, she advises against letting yourself be dictated by your work.

2. Make Gradual Moves

Individual making small steps

The advisor notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She herself took several years to move from her corporate career to running a company full-time, building the venture while still employed, which allowed financial stability.

"It needed additional time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she explains.

She suggests a "try before you buy" method.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've made the move," she adds.

She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a move forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It means allowing yourself the permission to say this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is an intelligent approach for getting nearer to a career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has just left your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged significantly lately.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.

Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her skills assisted her process the change.

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

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

Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change in management and the hiring of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the shame of job loss is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

Person making a list

For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends searching professional networks and saving a selection of that appeal to you.

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Linda Williams
Linda Williams

A wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and personal development, sharing evidence-based strategies for a fulfilling life.