The beginning of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I believed in the principles we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," one of them states.
Both individuals opted to say "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about what happened can aid you deal with the event.
"We use countless alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you own it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can advance.
"It's the direct path to anything you want next," she notes.
Today, they are succeeding in new positions, with one owning a media business and another working as lead editor at a prestigious publication.
Whether you've lost your job or are contemplating a change, these are four approaches for guidance.
1. Consider Last Year
It's natural to experience some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.
A career expert highlights the value of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.
She advises people to consider what they want to increase, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.
Examining your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid considering only the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder the process," she adds.
Another professional says it is important to establish the role of work plays in your life.
This requires being candid about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your personal and family life.
After being let go, she suggests not allowing yourself be defined by your job.
2. Implement Incremental Actions
The expert states that individuals can take incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.
Her own journey required a long period to move from her corporate career to managing her own business entirely, building the venture alongside her job, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It took more time, but that represented how I did it without risk," she says.
She suggests a test-run strategy.
This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or accepting something different at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a move forward, such as a role that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different area.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents a clever tactic to get closer to that new career."
3. Recall Your Accomplishments
Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen markedly lately.
She held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.
Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.
"What you've learned remains with you just because you were let go.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."
The other editor lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.
"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."
4. Develop a Career Checklist
For those who are urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.
However, this represents a major error.
Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search on position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring job platforms and gathering several that seem promising.
"Identify {the words|the
