We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Land a New Role That Works You Personally

The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I believed in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

They both decided to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being open about the situation can aid you process it.

"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"It's the direct path to whatever you want to pursue next," she continues.

Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, with one owning her own firm and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four strategies for guidance.

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's natural to feel some apprehension about work post-festive period.

A career expert highlights the necessity of reflection before starting the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Looking back at your past successes to find recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder the process," she states.

Another professional notes it is important to establish the role of work fits in your life.

This requires being candid about how much time you spend working and the influence on your personal and social life.

After her own experience, she advises against letting your life be defined by your job.

2. Make Incremental Actions

She says people can make gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.

Her own journey required a long period to transition from her corporate career to operating a company entirely, working on her idea alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It required more time, but that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This could be pro bono work, joining an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you discover you don't like, but it's better to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

"It means granting yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't for all time.

"That represents an intelligent tactic for getting nearer to a desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

If you've recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen to high levels lately.

She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were let go.

"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."

Another professional lost her job after ten years in a business journal following a regime change in management and the hiring of a different editor.

She notes that so much of the stigma of job loss is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search on position summaries that sound interesting.

She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.

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