We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – Here's How to Land a New Role That Fits You Personally

Two professionals discussing job changes
Experts discuss their path following redundancy in a new book.

The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.

"I dedicated all my energy into the job... I had faith in the principles we championed. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," a former editor says.

Both individuals opted to employ the word "fired" and believe that being honest about the situation can help you handle it.

"We use numerous soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"It's the direct path to anything you want to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one running a media business and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have lost your job or are contemplating a change, here are four methods to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

Individual reflecting about work

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

A careers coach highlights the importance of reflection before starting the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to find recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to considering only the recent past, as people often suffer from for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she states.

Another professional says it is crucial to determine what place your job plays in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you spend working and its effect on your social and social life.

Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your identity be defined by your career.

2. Make Small Steps

Person taking gradual progress

She states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to running her own business full-time, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.

"It required more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or accepting something different in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now than after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It involves granting yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"This is an intelligent approach for getting much closer to that desired transition."

3. Recall Your Successes

List of achievements

For anyone who has recently lost your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen markedly lately.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously she were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.

Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills assisted her handle the transition.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were let go.

"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."

The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She notes that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Job Search List

Individual creating a list

If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests searching job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that you like.

"Look for {the words|the

Ricky Cook
Ricky Cook

Elara is a passionate game developer and writer, sharing her love for indie games and interactive storytelling.