We Were Let Go, and We Accept It – This Is How to Land a New Role That Suits You Personally

Two women talking about job changes
Experts discuss their path after job loss in a new book.

The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves thinking about our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I invested my heart into the position... I trusted in the ethos we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those principles weren't there," she says.

The two decided to use the term "let go" and argue that being honest about it can help you deal with the experience.

"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"It's the direct path to what you want to pursue next," she continues.

Now, they are succeeding in new positions, where one owning her own firm and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

If you've lost your job or are looking for a new career, consider these four strategies that can help.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

Individual reflecting about career

It's natural to have some apprehension concerning your career after a holiday break.

A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of reflection before starting a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede your judgment," she notes.

She also states it is important to establish the role of work plays in your life.

This means being truthful about how much time you spend working and its effect on your personal and family life.

After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be dictated by your job.

2. Take Gradual Moves

Person taking gradual progress

The advisor says people can make small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to running a company entirely, working on her idea while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It took more time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she explains.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This can include volunteering, joining a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It's about giving yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent strategy to get nearer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

Career accomplishments

Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen markedly lately.

A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this event did not reflect of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"Your experience doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own value."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.

She stresses that so much of the shame of job loss is internal.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Career Checklist

Person making a list

For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking your own happiness.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that capture your interest.

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

"What are {the words|the

Jennifer Murphy DVM
Jennifer Murphy DVM

Sustainable architect and writer passionate about eco-friendly construction and innovative dome designs.