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The beginning of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes considering our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I invested my heart into that role... I believed in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," a former editor remarks.

They both decided to employ the word "let go" and believe that being honest about what happened can assist you deal with the event.

"People rely on so many euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

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

Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, with one owning her own media company and another holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been laid off or are just considering a shift, consider these four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

It's typical to experience a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.

A professional advisor stresses the importance of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She suggests individuals to think about what they want to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your achievements to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she notes.

Another professional notes it is crucial to decide what place your job fits in your life.

This requires being truthful about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your personal life.

Following her job loss, she advises not allowing your identity be defined by your career.

2. Make Gradual Moves

The expert notes that professionals can take incremental moves for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She herself took several years to transition from her corporate career to operating her own business full-time, developing the venture alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.

"It took more time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.

She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.

This might involve volunteering, joining a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they act as a step forward, like a job with parallels to your desired career, but in a different area.

"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent tactic to get nearer to that new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Should you have just left your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged to high levels recently.

One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.

Realizing that this event was not indicative of her performance helped her process the change.

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

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own value."

Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

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

"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily for any vacancy – disregarding what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that you like.

"Look for {the words|the