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

A pair of editors who left their positions due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I invested everything into the position... I had faith in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," a former editor states.

They both chose to say "dismissed" and suggest that being open about it can help you handle the experience.

"There are so many soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest about it, the quicker you can move on.

"That is the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading her own media company and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, here are four methods to assist you.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's natural to experience some apprehension concerning your career following time off.

A career expert emphasizes the necessity of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors motivates or depletes their energy.

Looking back at your achievements to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the last month, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.

A former editor says it is important to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This means being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal and family life.

After being let go, she advises preventing your identity be defined by your career.

2. Make Incremental Actions

The expert says people can take incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating a company completely, working on her idea while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.

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

She suggests an experimental method.

This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting something different at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.

She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same field.

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

"That represents an intelligent approach to get closer to your desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.

She was the top editor at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her performance helped her handle the transition.

"What you've learned doesn't go away simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague was fired after ten years with a finance publication after a change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.

She emphasizes that much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

When you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring your own happiness.

But this is a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests a method called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.

She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering several that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the