We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Suits Your Needs

Two women talking about career transitions
Experts discuss their path following redundancy in a recent publication.

A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our work lives.

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

"I poured my heart into the position... I believed in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those values weren't there," one of them states.

They both chose to say "dismissed" and argue that being honest about the situation can assist you deal with it.

"There are so many euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the fast track to whatever you desire to pursue next," she adds.

Currently, they are succeeding in new positions, with one owning her own firm and the other holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have been made redundant or are considering a shift, consider these four methods for guidance.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

Person thinking about work

It's natural to experience a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the value of introspection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She encourages individuals to think about what they want to increase, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your achievements to spot common themes can also help. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct the process," she states.

A former editor notes it is crucial to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This involves being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family life.

After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be defined by your career.

2. Take Incremental Actions

Individual making small steps

She states that individuals can implement small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

She required a long period to move from a corporate role to operating her own company entirely, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It required more time, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.

She suggests a test-run approach.

This could be volunteering, participating in an initiative that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also encourages exploring interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they act as a move forward, for example a position with parallels to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be a very smart approach for getting much closer to a new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

If you've recently lost your position, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen to high levels in recent times.

A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were dismissed.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change in management and the arrival of a new editor.

She stresses that a lot of the stigma of job loss is internal.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

Person making a checklist

For those who are desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – ignoring personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that capture your interest.

She advises searching job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Identify {the words|the

Whitney Montoya
Whitney Montoya

A professional gambler and writer with over a decade of experience in casino games, sharing insights to help players succeed.