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The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes evaluating our professional paths.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated my heart into the job... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those values were absent," a former editor remarks.

They both decided to say "let go" and argue that being honest about the situation can aid you process the event.

"We use so many euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.

"It's the fast track to anything you wish to do next," she adds.

Now, they are thriving in new ventures, with one owning her own media company and the other serving as lead editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, consider these four methods that can help.

1. Consider Last Year

It's common to feel some apprehension about work after a holiday break.

A professional advisor highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a new job search.

She suggests people to consider what they wish to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes them.

Looking back at your accomplishments to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the recent past, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she notes.

She also states it is important to decide what place your job plays in your life.

This means being truthful about the amount of time you spend working and the influence on your personal and social life.

After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your life be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

The expert says people can implement incremental moves for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to running her own business full-time, working on the venture alongside her job, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It required additional time, but that represented how I did it without risk," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This could be pro bono work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to know now than after you've made the move," she adds.

She also advises exploring interim roles. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as progress towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same field.

"It's about granting yourself the permission to say this works for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"This is a very smart strategy to get nearer to a desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen significantly in recent times.

A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, but in 2022 she lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this event was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

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

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for everybody to remember their own value."

Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.

She notes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame around with you."

4. Build a Job Search List

If you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that seem appealing.

She suggests searching professional networks and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the