We Got Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Land a New Job That Fits You Personally

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

The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves considering our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.

"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos were absent," a former editor states.

Both individuals chose to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about what happened can help you handle the experience.

"We use countless soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

"It's the fast track to whatever you wish to do next," she continues.

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, where one leading a media business and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, consider these four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

Person thinking about work

It's common to have some apprehension about work post-festive period.

A career expert highlights the importance of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She suggests people to consider what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot common themes can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she notes.

She also says it is important to decide what place your job fits in your life.

This requires being candid about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your personal life.

Following her job loss, she suggests preventing yourself be dictated by your job.

2. Take Incremental Actions

Person taking gradual progress

The advisor says people can make incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own company full-time, developing her project while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It required more time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she comments.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.

This can include volunteering, joining an initiative you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's better to know now than after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to the career you want, yet not in the same area.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, however, that is not for all time.

"This is an intelligent approach for moving nearer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

For anyone who has just left your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged to high levels recently.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

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

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."

Her colleague was let go after ten years at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.

She notes that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

Person making a checklist

For those who are urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that capture your interest.

She recommends exploring professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the

Justin Ali
Justin Ali

Mira is a tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their societal impacts.