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The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated all my energy into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. But in my case, those values didn't apply," one of them says.

The two decided to employ the word "let go" and suggest that being open about it can assist you handle the experience.

"People rely on countless soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"It's the direct path to what you wish to pursue next," she adds.

Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading a media business and another working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

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

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

It's common to feel some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.

A career expert highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they want to increase, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to identify common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.

Another professional states it is crucial to establish what place your job fits in your life.

This requires being candid regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your family life.

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

2. Make Incremental Actions

The advisor notes that professionals can implement small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.

She herself took several years to move from a corporate role to running her own business entirely, building her project alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.

"It required a bit longer, but that was the method I used sustainably," she says.

She recommends an experimental strategy.

This can include volunteering, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, yet they function as a move in the right direction, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, but in a different area.

"It's about giving yourself the permission to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.

"This is a very smart approach to get nearer to that career change."

3. Remember Your Successes

If you've recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen markedly in recent times.

A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she were made redundant after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her performance assisted her handle the transition.

"Your experience remains with you simply due to lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recall their own worth."

Her colleague was let go after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a different editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Build a Job Search List

For those who are urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding your own happiness.

But this is a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that seem appealing.

She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the