We Were Fired, and We Accept It – Here's How to Secure a New Role That Fits Your Needs

The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who lost their roles after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated my heart into the job... I trusted in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," a former editor states.

Both individuals decided to use the term "fired" and suggest that being open about what happened can assist you handle the event.

"People rely on so many alternative phrases for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can progress.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Today, they are thriving in new positions, with one owning her own firm and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four approaches that can help.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

It's common to feel a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.

A professional advisor stresses the importance of looking back before starting a new job search.

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

Examining your achievements to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.

Another professional notes it is important to establish where your work occupies in your life.

This involves being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your social and social life.

Following her job loss, she recommends preventing your life be shaped solely by your job.

2. Implement Gradual Moves

She says people can take incremental moves towards changing careers without committing fully.

She herself took several years to move from a corporate role to managing a company full-time, building her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.

"It needed more time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests a "try before you buy" method.

This can include volunteering, joining a professional project that interests you, or accepting something different in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a move towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It's about allowing yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.

"This is an intelligent approach for moving much closer to a desired transition."

3. Recall Your Successes

If you've recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have increased significantly recently.

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

Realizing that this was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.

"What you've learned remains with you simply due to were let go.

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

Another professional was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of new leadership.

She notes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring your own happiness.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search on job descriptions that seem appealing.

She advises browsing professional networks and collecting several that you like.

"Look for {the words|the