We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a Fresh Position That Suits You Personally

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

The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that involves considering our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who left their roles after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor says.

They both decided to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being open about the situation can help you deal with it.

"There are numerous soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the fast track to what you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Consider The Previous Year

Person thinking about career

It's typical to experience a bit low concerning your career after a holiday break.

A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.

She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, since everyone have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.

A former editor notes it is crucial to establish the role of work fits in your life.

This requires being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal and social life.

After being let go, she advises not allowing your life be shaped solely by your job.

2. Implement Small Steps

Person taking small steps

The expert states that individuals can take gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own business entirely, building the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was my approach without risk," she explains.

She advocates for an experimental strategy.

This can include volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to know now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.

She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, but they act as progress towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same field.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"That represents an intelligent approach for getting much closer to your desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

List of achievements

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

She was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously she and her team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.

Understanding that this event did not reflect of her performance allowed her to cope with the situation.

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

"Do not surrender your power, it's vital for everybody to remember their own worth."

Another professional lost her job following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.

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

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."

4. Build a Job Search List

Person making a list

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.

But this is a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to position summaries that seem appealing.

She suggests searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that you like.

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Samuel Berry
Samuel Berry

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and indie game developments.