We Got Fired, and We're Owning It – This Is How to Secure a New Job That Suits Your Needs

Two women talking about career transitions
Experts discuss their journey after job loss in a new book.

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

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated my heart into the position... I trusted in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," one of them states.

They both decided to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being open about it can aid you process it.

"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can advance.

"That's the direct path to whatever you desire to do next," she continues.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, where one leading a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Consider The Past Year

Person thinking about career

It's typical to feel some unease regarding your job following time off.

A careers coach highlights the importance of looking back before embarking on a new job search.

She suggests people to consider what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Examining your past successes to identify recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede the process," she notes.

She also notes it is crucial to determine the role of work fits in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your personal and family life.

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

2. Make Gradual Moves

Person taking gradual progress

The expert states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to move from a traditional job to managing a company entirely, working on her idea alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.

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

She suggests a "try before you buy" method.

This could be volunteering, participating in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.

She also advises looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a move forward, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It's about giving yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent strategy for moving much closer to a career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased to high levels recently.

One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability assisted her process the change.

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for everybody to remember their own value."

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

She stresses that much of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."

4. Build a Job Search List

Person making a list

When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking your own happiness.

However, this represents a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – focusing your search on role profiles that seem appealing.

She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that you like.

"Look for {the words|the

Christina Mejia
Christina Mejia

Elara is a tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and sharing practical tips for digital transformation.