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A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I poured my heart into that role... I trusted in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles were absent," she states.

The two chose to say "fired" and argue that being open about the situation can help you deal with the experience.

"There are numerous soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.

"That is the direct path to what you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Today, they are excelling in new ventures, where one owning a media business and the other working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, consider these four methods that can help.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's typical to experience some apprehension about work following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their energy.

Reviewing your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.

She also notes it is important to determine the role of work fits in your life.

This means being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your personal life.

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

2. Implement Gradual Moves

The advisor notes that professionals can take small steps towards a career shift without committing fully.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from her corporate career to operating a company entirely, developing her project concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It required additional time, but that represented my approach without risk," she comments.

She advocates for an experimental approach.

This could be volunteering, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.

She also advises considering interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they act as a step forward, for example a position with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact field.

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

"This is a very smart approach to get much closer to your career change."

3. Recall Your Achievements

If you've recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have increased to high levels lately.

A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.

Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her skills assisted her handle the transition.

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

"Do not surrender your power, it's vital for all individuals to remember their own worth."

Her colleague was let go after a decade in a business journal after a change in management and the arrival of a different editor.

She emphasizes that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – disregarding personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises exploring professional networks and gathering several that you like.

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