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The start of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.

Two editors who lost their positions due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.

"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," one of them remarks.

They both decided to say "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about what happened can assist you deal with the experience.

"People rely on numerous euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the sooner you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.

"It's the quickest route to what you want to pursue next," she adds.

Now, they are thriving in new ventures, with one leading a media business and the other serving as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been laid off or are just looking for a new career, here are four methods for guidance.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's natural to have some unease concerning your career post-festive period.

A careers coach highlights the necessity of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She encourages people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.

Examining your past successes to find recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the last month, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she adds.

A former editor states it is vital to decide where your work occupies in your life.

This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your personal life.

Following her job loss, she advises against letting yourself be defined by your job.

2. Implement Small Steps

She says people can take incremental moves towards changing careers without committing fully.

She required a long period to move from a corporate role to operating a company full-time, developing the venture while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It took more time, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she says.

She advocates for a test-run approach.

This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to something different within your current team.

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

Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a move in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.

"It's about allowing yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.

"That represents an intelligent tactic to get closer to a new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has just left your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen significantly in recent times.

One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.

Realizing that this event did not reflect of her performance helped her cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure in a business journal after a change at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that much of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily for any job – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the