We Got Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Works for You

The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who left their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I invested my heart into that role... I believed in the ethos we championed. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," one of them says.

They both chose to use the term "let go" and suggest that being open about what happened can aid you handle the experience.

"We use countless euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you own it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can advance.

"It's the direct path to whatever you desire to do next," she adds.

Today, they are succeeding in new positions, where one running her own firm and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, here are four approaches that can help.

1. Consider The Past Year

It's common to feel some unease about work after a holiday break.

A career expert highlights the value of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.

Examining your achievements to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she states.

She also says it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.

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

Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing your life be shaped solely by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

The advisor notes that professionals can make gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.

She herself required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.

"It needed additional time, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she comments.

She advocates for a test-run method.

This can include volunteering, participating in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, but it's better to know now instead of after you've made the move," she states.

Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as progress towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It involves granting yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not the same as forever.

"That represents a clever strategy to get closer to a career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently lost your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged significantly recently.

She held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off after the company closed the print version.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her performance helped her handle the transition.

"Your experience remains with you because you lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own worth."

Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."

4. Develop a Job Search List

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that seem appealing.

She suggests searching job platforms and gathering a selection of that you like.

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