We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Fits You Personally

Two women discussing job changes
Professionals talk about their journey following redundancy in a new book.

The beginning of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who lost their roles following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.

"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the principles we stood for. However, regarding my situation, that ethos were absent," a former editor states.

Both individuals decided to use the term "let go" and argue that being open about it can assist you deal with it.

"People rely on so many alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the quicker you can progress.

"It's the quickest route to whatever you wish to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one leading a media business and another holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four approaches to assist you.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

Individual reflecting about work

It's common to feel some unease concerning your career following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.

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

Looking back at your past successes to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede your judgment," she adds.

She also says it is vital to determine what place your job fits in your life.

This requires being candid regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your personal life.

After being let go, she advises against letting your life be defined by your job.

2. Make Incremental Actions

Individual making small steps

The advisor states that individuals can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took seven years to move from her corporate career to managing her own business full-time, building the venture while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It took more time, but that was my approach sustainably," she comments.

She advocates for a test-run strategy.

This can include pro bono work, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a different task at your present job.

"If it fails, you find out you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a step forward, for example a position with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

"It involves granting yourself the space to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"This is an intelligent strategy for moving closer to your career change."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

If you've recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have increased markedly lately.

She held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously her entire team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this did not reflect of her performance allowed her to process the change.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

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

Another professional was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She stresses that much of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that feeling forward."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

Person making a list

For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that appeal to you.

"Look for {the words|the

Alyssa Hall
Alyssa Hall

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.