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A new year's onset is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our professional paths.

Two editors who lost their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.

"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," she says.

They both chose to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being open about what happened can assist you handle the experience.

"People rely on so many euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the sooner you can advance.

"That's the fast track to what you wish to do next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading a media business and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have been made redundant or are considering a shift, here are four strategies for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's common to experience a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.

A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of reflection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She advises people to consider what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Looking back at your achievements to identify common themes can also help. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she states.

She also says it is important to decide what place your job occupies in your life.

This means being truthful about how much time you spend working and the influence on your social life.

After her own experience, she suggests not allowing your identity be defined by your career.

2. Make Small Steps

The advisor says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating her own company full-time, working on the venture alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.

"It required a bit longer, but that represented how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.

This could be volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or accepting something different in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's better to know now rather than after you've made the move," she states.

She also encourages looking into interim roles. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It means allowing yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"That represents a very smart tactic for moving closer to your desired transition."

3. Remember Your Successes

If you've just left your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged significantly recently.

She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

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

"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recall their own value."

The other editor lost her job after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a different editor.

She stresses that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.

She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Identify {the words|the