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The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves considering our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their roles following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.

"I poured everything into the job... I believed in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," a former editor remarks.

Both individuals decided to say "let go" and suggest that being open about it can assist you handle it.

"People rely on countless alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can advance.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Now, they are excelling in new positions, with one leading a media business and another working as top editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've been laid off or are contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

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

A career expert emphasizes the value of reflection before starting the search for a new role.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Examining your achievements to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, since everyone suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she states.

A former editor says it is crucial to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This involves being honest about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your social and family life.

Following her job loss, she recommends preventing your identity be dictated by your career.

2. Take Small Steps

The expert notes that professionals can take gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to running a company full-time, developing her project concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.

"It took a bit longer, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you find out you don't like, but it's better to find out now instead of after you've made the move," she states.

She also encourages exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a step towards your goal, like a job with similarities to the career you want, but in a different field.

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

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

3. Recall Your Achievements

Should you have just left your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged significantly in recent times.

A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, previously she were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.

Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her skills helped her process the change.

"What you've learned remains with you just because you were let go.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own worth."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the hiring of new leadership.

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

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

If you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that capture your interest.

She recommends browsing job platforms and collecting several that appeal to you.

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