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A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves considering our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their roles following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.

"I invested everything into the job... I had faith in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can assist you deal with the experience.

"People rely on numerous soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.

"It's the direct path to whatever you wish to pursue next," she adds.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, with one leading her own media company and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Consider The Previous Year

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

A professional advisor highlights the importance of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains them.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.

A former editor states it is vital to establish what place your job fits in your life.

This involves being truthful about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your family and family life.

After being let go, she suggests preventing your life be dictated by your career.

2. Make Gradual Moves

She states that individuals can take gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She herself took several years to move from her corporate career to running her own business completely, developing her idea while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

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

She recommends a "try before you buy" strategy.

This could be volunteer work, joining an initiative that interests you, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now instead of after you've switched careers," she remarks.

She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as progress in the right direction, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, yet not in the same area.

"It involves granting yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not for all time.

"That can be a clever approach for moving much closer to that new career."

3. Remember Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen markedly recently.

A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everybody to recognize their own value."

The other editor was let go after a decade in a business journal after a change at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She notes that a lot of the shame of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so refrain from bearing that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Build a Career Checklist

If you're desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that capture your interest.

She suggests browsing professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

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