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The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their jobs following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.

"I poured all my energy into that role... I had faith in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," she states.

The two chose to employ the word "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about the situation can aid you deal with it.

"There are numerous soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"It's the quickest route to whatever you desire to pursue next," she adds.

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, with one owning a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

For those who have been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four strategies for guidance.

1. Consider The Past Year

It's natural to experience some unease concerning your career following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.

Looking back at your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from for recency bias that can impede the process," she adds.

A former editor says it is important to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This means being candid about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your family and social life.

After being let go, she suggests not allowing your identity be dictated by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

The advisor states that individuals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to managing a company entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It required more time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.

She recommends a test-run strategy.

This might involve pro bono work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.

She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, but in a different area.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"This is a clever approach for getting closer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Successes

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have risen markedly recently.

She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this event did not reflect of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were let go.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."

Another professional was fired after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the arrival of a new editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame of job loss is internal.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that seem appealing.

She recommends browsing professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

"Look for {the words|the