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The beginning of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.

Two editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I invested all my energy into the position... I trusted in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," she remarks.

The two chose to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about what happened can help you deal with the experience.

"People rely on countless euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're honest about it, the quicker you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to what you desire next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in different roles, where one leading her own media company and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been laid off or are just contemplating a change, these are four methods that can help.

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's typical to have some unease about work after a holiday break.

A career expert emphasizes the value of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.

Looking back at your accomplishments to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.

She also states it is crucial to establish where your work fits in your life.

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

Following her job loss, she advises preventing your identity be defined by your work.

2. Take Incremental Actions

The advisor notes that professionals can take incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.

She took several years to transition from her corporate career to running a company entirely, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

"It required additional time, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests a test-run method.

This might involve volunteering, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've made the move," she remarks.

She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress forward, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.

"It means allowing yourself the permission to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"That can be a very smart tactic to get closer to your desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have increased markedly recently.

One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she and her team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you were dismissed.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."

Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the appointment of a new editor.

She notes that a lot of the shame of job loss is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."

4. Develop a Job Search List

If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving several that appeal to you.

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