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A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who left their roles following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I invested my heart into the job... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," one of them remarks.

The two opted to say "fired" and argue that being transparent about it can assist you process it.

"People rely on numerous euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you own it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"That's the direct path to what you want next," she continues.

Now, they are excelling in new ventures, where one owning her own firm and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been made redundant or are considering a shift, these are four methods that can help.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's typical to have some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.

A professional advisor stresses the importance of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their drive.

Examining your past successes to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.

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

This means being truthful about the amount of time you're working and its effect on your family and social life.

After her own experience, she advises not allowing your life be shaped solely by your work.

2. Make Incremental Actions

The expert says people can make small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.

She herself took several years to make the jump from her corporate career to operating her own business full-time, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.

"It took additional time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she says.

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This can include pro bono work, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a different task at your present job.

"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the dream position, but they act as a move in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.

"It means granting yourself the space to say this works for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is a very smart strategy to get much closer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Achievements

If you've recently lost your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged to high levels in recent times.

One professional held a senior role in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"What you've learned remains with you because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own worth."

The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

If you're desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the