We Were Dismissed, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Find a Fresh Position That Fits Your Needs

Two women talking about job changes
Experts talk about their journey following redundancy in a new book.

A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their roles due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.

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

Both individuals chose to say "dismissed" and believe that being open about what happened can aid you handle it.

"There are countless alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid about it, the quicker you can progress.

"That is the direct path to whatever you desire to do next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading a media business and another working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, consider these four strategies for guidance.

1. Contemplate Last Year

Person thinking about career

It's natural to have some unease concerning your career following time off.

A career expert emphasizes the importance of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She advises people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes them.

Examining your achievements to identify common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.

Another professional states it is vital to decide where your work occupies in your life.

This means being candid about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.

After her own experience, she suggests against letting yourself be defined by your job.

2. Take Incremental Actions

Individual making gradual progress

She says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She herself required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own business full-time, working on her idea alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.

"It needed a bit longer, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.

She advocates for an experimental method.

This might involve volunteer work, participating in a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge in your existing role.

"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step forward, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, yet not in the same field.

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

"This is an intelligent strategy for moving nearer to that desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

If you've just left your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly recently.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.

Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recall their intrinsic value."

Another professional was let go after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of a different editor.

She notes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is internal.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling forward."

4. Develop a Job Search List

Person making a list

If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – disregarding your own happiness.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests browsing professional networks and collecting several that you like.

"Identify {the words|the

Chloe Thompson
Chloe Thompson

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.