We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – Learn How to Secure a New Job That Suits for You

Two professionals talking about career transitions
Professionals discuss their journey following redundancy in a recent publication.

The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.

"I invested my heart into that role... I had faith in the values we promoted. But in my case, those values weren't there," she states.

They both decided to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about it can assist you handle it.

"People rely on countless soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the quickest route to what you want to pursue next," she adds.

Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one leading a media business and the other serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, consider these four strategies that can help.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

Person thinking about work

It's typical to have a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.

A career expert stresses the necessity of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she adds.

Another professional states it is important to establish what place your job occupies in your life.

This means being candid regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your family and social life.

After being let go, she suggests not allowing your life be dictated by your career.

2. Take Small Steps

Person taking gradual progress

The expert notes that professionals can make incremental moves for a career transition without a complete leap.

She took seven years to transition from a traditional job to running her own company entirely, building her idea while still employed, which enabled financial stability.

"It took additional time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.

She advocates for a test-run method.

This could be volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.

"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact field.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"That represents a clever tactic to get nearer to your desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have surged to high levels recently.

One professional held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.

Realizing that this event was not indicative of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everyone to recall their own worth."

The other editor lost her job after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

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

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."

4. Create a Career Checklist

Person making a checklist

When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – focusing your search to only position summaries that seem appealing.

She recommends browsing professional networks and saving several that appeal to you.

"Identify {the words|the

Angela Perez
Angela Perez

A seasoned fashion journalist with a passion for sustainable style and trend forecasting.