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The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who left their jobs following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated everything into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," one of them says.

Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about what happened can assist you process the event.

"We use countless euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the faster you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.

"It's the direct path to whatever you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Today, they are excelling in new ventures, with one owning her own firm and the other serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

It's natural to have a bit low concerning your career after a holiday break.

A career expert emphasizes the importance of reflection before starting a new job search.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she states.

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

This means being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your social and family life.

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

2. Implement Small Steps

The expert says people can make gradual progress towards a career shift without a complete leap.

She herself took several years to transition from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, developing her idea alongside her job, which meant financial stability.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.

This might involve volunteer work, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a move towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, yet not in the same area.

"It means giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

"This is a very smart tactic to get much closer to a new career."

3. Recall Your Successes

If you've recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.

One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to process the change.

"What you've learned remains with you because you lost your job.

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

Another professional was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.

She emphasizes that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only role profiles that seem appealing.

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

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