We Got Dismissed, and We Accept It – Learn How to Find a New Role That Suits You Personally

The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves thinking about our professional paths.

Two editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I invested everything into that role... I had faith in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," one of them states.

The two decided to say "fired" and argue that being transparent about it can help you handle the event.

"We use countless soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to anything you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one owning her own media company and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, consider these four methods for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's common to experience some apprehension concerning your career following time off.

A career expert stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to find common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.

Another professional notes it is important to determine where your work plays in your life.

This requires being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your family and family life.

Following her job loss, she recommends not allowing yourself be dictated by your work.

2. Implement Gradual Moves

The advisor says people can take gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.

Her own journey took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating a company full-time, working on the venture alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It took more time, however, that was my approach without risk," she says.

She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.

This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a move in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It's about allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.

"That can be a very smart strategy to get much closer to that desired transition."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has recently lost your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged significantly recently.

A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.

Recognizing that this did not reflect of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for everybody to recognize their own value."

Another professional was let go after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She notes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame around with you."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only role profiles that seem appealing.

She advises browsing job platforms and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the