We Got Let Go, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a New Job That Works Your Needs

Two women discussing career transitions
Professionals talk about their path after job loss in a recent publication.

The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the principles we promoted. But in my case, those values weren't there," she states.

Both individuals chose to employ the word "fired" and believe that being transparent about it can help you handle it.

"People rely on countless euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're honest about it, the faster you can progress.

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

Today, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading a media business and another working as top editor for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Consider The Past Year

Person thinking about career

It's common to feel some apprehension about work following time off.

A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their drive.

Looking back at your past successes to identify recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.

Another professional says it is crucial to determine the role of work fits in your life.

This requires being candid regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social and social life.

After her own experience, she suggests preventing yourself be defined by your job.

2. Make Incremental Actions

Person taking small steps

The expert notes that professionals can make incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.

Her own journey took several years to move from a traditional job to managing her own business full-time, building her project while still employed, which enabled financial stability.

"It needed more time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she explains.

She suggests a "try before you buy" method.

This could be volunteering, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to know now than after you've switched careers," she adds.

She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they serve as a move in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It involves granting yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"This is an intelligent strategy for moving closer to your desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

List of achievements

Should you have just left your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased markedly recently.

A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, previously her entire team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.

Realizing that this did not reflect of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."

Another professional was fired following a long tenure in a business journal after a change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."

4. Create a Career Checklist

Individual creating a list

If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.

She recommends searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the

Ronnie Lyons
Ronnie Lyons

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and player psychology.