We Were Fired, and We're Embracing It – Learn How to Find a New Job That Works You Personally

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

The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.

Two editors who left their positions due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

"I invested my heart into the position... I had faith in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.

The two decided to say "dismissed" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you handle the event.

"There are so many euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That is the fast track to what you wish to do next," she notes.

Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running a media business and another working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four approaches that can help.

1. Consider The Previous Year

Individual reflecting about work

It's typical to have some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.

A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of reflection prior to launching a new job search.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede your judgment," she states.

She also states it is crucial to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This means being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your social life.

After her own experience, she suggests not allowing yourself be defined by your work.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Person taking small steps

She notes that professionals can take gradual progress towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to move from a corporate role to managing her own company completely, building her project concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.

"It required a bit longer, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

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

This can include pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you find out you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also encourages exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they act as a move in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same field.

"It involves allowing yourself the space to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.

"That can be a very smart strategy for getting nearer to a desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

Should you have just left your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased significantly lately.

She held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability assisted her process the change.

"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."

Her colleague was let go after a decade with a finance publication after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

She notes that much of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that feeling around with you."

4. Create a Job Search List

Individual creating a list

When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that seem appealing.

She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.

"What are {the words|the

Ruth Davis
Ruth Davis

A digital artist and designer with over 8 years of experience specializing in vector graphics and creative visual storytelling.