We Were Let Go, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Land a Fresh Position That Works You Personally

A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I poured everything into the position... I trusted in the ethos we promoted. But in my case, those values weren't there," she says.

Both individuals chose to say "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about what happened can aid you handle the event.

"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"That's the fast track to anything you wish to pursue next," she adds.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one owning her own firm and another serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've lost your job or are just contemplating a change, consider these four strategies to assist you.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's natural to have some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of looking back before embarking on a new job search.

She encourages people to consider what they want to increase, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.

Examining your past successes to find underlying threads can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she states.

Another professional says it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.

This involves being truthful about how much time you're working and its impact on your family and social life.

After being let go, she suggests not allowing yourself be defined by your career.

2. Implement Gradual Moves

She notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.

Her own journey took seven years to move from her corporate career to managing her own company full-time, developing her project while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It took a bit longer, but that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She advocates for a test-run approach.

This can include pro bono work, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've committed fully," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a step in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.

"It's about granting yourself the space to say this works for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is a clever strategy for moving closer to your career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

If you've recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly in recent times.

One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.

Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

"Your experience remains with you simply due to were let go.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."

Another professional was fired after ten years in a business journal due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

If you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any vacancy – disregarding personal fulfillment.

But this is a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the