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A new year's onset is often a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated everything into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," one of them says.

The two decided to say "fired" and argue that being transparent about the situation can aid you process the event.

"People rely on countless alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you wish next," she continues.

Today, they are thriving in different roles, where one owning her own firm and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have lost your job or are just considering a shift, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She suggests people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.

Looking back at your achievements to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede your judgment," she states.

A former editor notes it is vital to establish where your work fits in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.

After being let go, she advises not allowing yourself be dictated by your work.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

The expert says people can implement gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to managing her own business full-time, developing the venture alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It needed additional time, but that was the method I used without risk," she comments.

She advocates for a test-run method.

This could be pro bono work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or accepting something different 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 committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These might not be the dream position, but they act as a move towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.

"It's about granting yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't for all time.

"That can be a clever approach for moving closer to your career change."

3. Remember Your Successes

Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen significantly recently.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.

She stresses that so much of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Job Search List

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.

However, this represents a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that you like.

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