The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that includes thinking about our work lives.
Two publishing professionals who left their positions after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.
"I dedicated my heart into the job... I had faith in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.
Both individuals decided to say "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about it can aid you deal with the event.
"There are numerous soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.
"That's the fast track to whatever you want next," she continues.
Today, they are excelling in different roles, where one running a media business and another working as top editor for a high-end journal.
If you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, these are four strategies that can help.
1. Reflect On The Previous Year
It's natural to have a bit low about work post-festive period.
A professional advisor highlights the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.
She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes their energy.
Examining your past successes to find underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she adds.
Another professional notes it is crucial to establish the role of work fits in your life.
This means being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your social and social life.
Following her job loss, she suggests not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your work.
2. Take Small Steps
The expert says people can make incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.
She herself took several years to transition from her corporate career to running a company entirely, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.
"It required additional time, but that represented how I did it without risk," she comments.
She suggests an experimental method.
This could be volunteering, getting involved in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover you don't like, but it's preferable to know now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.
She also encourages looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact area.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to accept 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. Recall Your Achievements
For anyone who has recently lost your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased to high levels in recent times.
A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were made redundant when the firm closed the print version.
Understanding that this event did not reflect of her performance helped her handle the transition.
"The skills you've gained doesn't go away because you were let go.
"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."
Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."
4. Build a Job Search List
For those who are urgently looking for work or are utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that capture your interest.
She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.
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