We Were Dismissed, and We Accept It – Here's How to Land a Fresh Position That Works Your Needs

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

The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes thinking about our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.

"I invested everything into that role... I had faith in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, those principles were absent," she states.

They both opted to say "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about the situation can assist you handle it.

"People rely on so many euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the direct path to whatever you wish next," she continues.

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, with one running a media business and another holding the position of lead editor at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four methods that can help.

1. Consider The Past Year

Person thinking about work

It's typical to feel some unease concerning your career after a holiday break.

A professional advisor emphasizes the value of introspection prior to launching 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 motivates or depletes them.

Looking back at your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid considering only the recent past, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she adds.

She also states it is important to establish where your work plays in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your family and social life.

After being let go, she recommends preventing yourself be defined by your work.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Individual making small steps

The expert says people can make small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, developing her project concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It needed a bit longer, however, that was how I did it without risk," she comments.

She suggests a test-run approach.

This could be volunteering, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've made the move," she states.

She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a step in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It means allowing yourself the space to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not permanent.

"This is a clever tactic for getting nearer to that career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

Career accomplishments

For anyone who has recently lost your job, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have risen markedly in recent times.

A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, previously she lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this did not reflect of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

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

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everybody to recall their own value."

Another professional was let go after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

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

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."

4. Develop a Job Search List

Individual creating a list

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, the temptation is to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends browsing professional networks and collecting several that appeal to you.

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Karen Caldwell
Karen Caldwell

Renewable energy consultant and green tech writer with over a decade of experience in sustainable development projects across Europe.