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A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who lost their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I poured my heart into the job... I believed in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," a former editor says.

They both opted to say "dismissed" and believe that being transparent about it can help you process it.

"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"That's the fast track to whatever you want to do next," she adds.

Currently, they are excelling in new positions, with one leading her own firm and another serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, here are four methods that can help.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's common to have some apprehension regarding your job post-festive period.

A career expert highlights the importance of reflection before starting a new job search.

She advises people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the last month, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede your judgment," she notes.

She also notes it is important to establish the role of work plays in your life.

This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your social and family life.

After her own experience, she recommends preventing your identity be defined by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

She says people can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself took seven years to move from a traditional job to running her own company entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.

"It needed a bit longer, however, that was the method I used without risk," she comments.

She suggests a test-run strategy.

This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or saying yes to something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.

Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, like a job with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact field.

"It's about giving yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"This is an intelligent strategy to get nearer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have increased significantly lately.

She held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to handle the transition.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.

"Don't give up your power, it's important for all individuals to recall their own value."

Her colleague was let go after a decade at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."

4. Develop a Job Search List

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.

She advises searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.

"Look for {the words|the