We Were Dismissed, and We're Embracing It – Here's How to Secure a New Role That Fits Your Needs

Two professionals discussing career transitions
Professionals discuss their path following redundancy in a new book.

The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes considering our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed their world had ended.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," she states.

They both decided to say "let go" and believe that being honest about it can assist you process the experience.

"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you wish next," she continues.

Today, they are excelling in different roles, where one running her own firm and the other working as top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, here are four strategies for guidance.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

Individual reflecting about career

It's natural to experience some apprehension about work post-festive period.

A career expert emphasizes the importance of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes them.

Looking back at your achievements to identify underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder the process," she notes.

Another professional states it is crucial to decide where your work fits in your life.

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

After being let go, she advises preventing your life be dictated by your job.

2. Take Small Steps

Person taking gradual progress

The advisor states that individuals can make incremental moves for a career transition without a complete leap.

She took several years to move from a corporate role to running her own business entirely, developing her project alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.

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

She suggests a test-run method.

This might involve volunteering, joining an initiative that interests you, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you discover you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.

She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a move forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same area.

"It means granting yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

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

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

If you've recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged significantly recently.

She was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this did not reflect of her performance allowed her to cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your power, it's important for everybody to recognize their own worth."

The other editor lost her job after ten years in a business journal after a change in management and the hiring of a different editor.

She stresses that much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."

4. Build a Job Search List

Individual creating a list

When you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She advises browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that seem promising.

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Richard Reyes
Richard Reyes

A fashion journalist with over a decade of experience covering urban trends and sustainable streetwear, based in Berlin.