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The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was a disaster.

"I dedicated my heart into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," she remarks.

The two decided to use the term "fired" and believe that being open about what happened can help you deal with the experience.

"We use numerous soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"That is the fast track to anything you want next," she continues.

Today, they are thriving in new positions, where one leading her own media company and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

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

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's natural to feel some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.

A career expert emphasizes the necessity of reflection before embarking on a new job search.

She suggests people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.

Looking back at your past successes 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 hinder your judgment," she notes.

A former editor says it is important to decide where your work occupies in your life.

This means being honest regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your personal and social life.

Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your life be defined by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor states that individuals can take gradual progress towards a career shift without a complete leap.

She herself took seven years to transition from her corporate career to managing her own company full-time, developing her project concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

"It needed a bit longer, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She recommends a test-run strategy.

This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.

"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as a step forward, like a job that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It means allowing yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that isn't for all time.

"This is a very smart strategy for moving nearer to a desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

If you've recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have increased significantly lately.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this did not reflect of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained remains with you because you were let go.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own worth."

Another professional was fired after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.

She stresses that a lot of the stigma of job loss is internal.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."

4. Develop a Job Search List

If you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that seem appealing.

She advises browsing professional networks and gathering several that seem promising.

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