We Got Let Go, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Land a Fresh Position That Fits Your Needs

A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.

Two editors who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.

"I invested everything into the position... I had faith in the values we stood for. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

Both individuals decided to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about the situation can aid you deal with the event.

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

"It's the fast track to whatever you want to pursue next," she continues.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading her own media company and the other holding the position of top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, here are four strategies to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

It's natural to experience some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.

A careers coach emphasizes the value of reflection prior to launching a new job search.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to find common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she notes.

A former editor notes it is crucial to decide the role of work plays in your life.

This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your family and social life.

Following her job loss, she advises not allowing your life be defined by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

She says people can implement small steps for a career transition without committing fully.

Her own journey took several years to move from a corporate role to managing a company completely, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.

"It took a bit longer, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she comments.

She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to know now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a step forward, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, but in a different area.

"It's about giving yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

"This is a very smart approach to get much closer to a desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently lost your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen significantly recently.

A former editor held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her performance allowed her to process the change.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."

Her colleague was let go after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in management and the hiring of new leadership.

She emphasizes that a lot of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame around with you."

4. Create a Career Checklist

When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that seem appealing.

She recommends exploring professional networks and collecting several that you like.

"Identify {the words|the