We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Works Your Needs

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

The beginning of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.

"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I had faith in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles weren't there," she remarks.

The two chose to say "dismissed" and argue that being honest about the situation can help you handle it.

"People rely on numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest about it, the faster you can advance.

"It's the direct path to what you want next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in new positions, where one leading a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

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

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

Person thinking about work

It's natural to feel a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of reflection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She suggests people to consider what they want to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to find common themes is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, since everyone suffer from for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.

Another professional says it is vital to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This requires being honest about how much time you're working and its effect on your family life.

After being let go, she advises preventing your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

Person taking small steps

The advisor says people can implement gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.

She took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to running her own company completely, building her project alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It needed a bit longer, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This might involve volunteering, joining a work project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It's about giving yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents a very smart strategy to get nearer to that desired transition."

3. Recall Your Successes

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has recently lost your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased to high levels in recent times.

One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.

Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her ability assisted her process the change.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you were let go.

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

Her colleague lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

She emphasizes that much of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

Individual creating a list

When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – filtering opportunities down to position summaries that capture your interest.

She advises searching sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the

Tiffany Young
Tiffany Young

Elara is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, blending data-driven insights with compelling narratives.