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A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes considering our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

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

The two opted to say "let go" and believe that being transparent about the situation can help you process the event.

"There are countless soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.

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

Today, they are succeeding in different roles, where one running her own firm and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, these are four methods to assist you.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

It's common to experience some unease concerning your career post-festive period.

A professional advisor stresses the necessity of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She encourages individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors motivates or depletes their energy.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot underlying threads can also help. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she states.

She also says it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.

This means being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your personal life.

After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards a career shift without committing fully.

She required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own company full-time, working on her idea concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

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

She suggests a test-run approach.

This might involve pro bono work, joining a professional project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also advises exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as a move towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It involves granting yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is an intelligent tactic for moving closer to that new career."

3. Remember Your Achievements

If you've just left your position, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have risen significantly lately.

She held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off when the firm closed the print version.

Recognizing that this situation was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you were let go.

"Don't relinquish your power, it's important for everyone to recognize their own value."

Another professional was fired after ten years at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the arrival of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Job Search List

When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to jump at for any job – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.

She suggests searching professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that you like.

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