🔗 Share this article

A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for many, that includes considering our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who left their roles due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.

"I invested my heart into the job... I believed in the values we stood for. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," a former editor states.

They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being open about the situation can assist you handle it.

"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"It's the fast track to anything you desire next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one owning her own media company and the other working as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have lost your job or are contemplating a change, these are four methods for guidance.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

It's typical to experience some apprehension about work post-festive period.

A career expert emphasizes the importance of reflection prior to launching a new job search.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Looking back at your past successes to spot common themes is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she adds.

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

This involves being truthful about how much time you're working and the influence on your social and family life.

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

2. Implement Gradual Moves

The advisor notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.

She herself took several years to move from a traditional job to operating her own business completely, developing her idea while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It required more time, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.

This might involve volunteer work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.

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

She also encourages looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a move towards your goal, for example a position with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact area.

"It's about granting yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't for all time.

"That can be a very smart tactic for getting nearer to a desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has just left your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged significantly lately.

She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to process the change.

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

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

Her colleague lost her job after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of new leadership.

She notes that so much of the stigma associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

When you're urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking your own happiness.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that seem appealing.

She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that you like.

"What are {the words|the