🔗 Share this article

The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who left their positions following company reorganizations originally thought their world had ended.

"I invested everything into the position... I trusted in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.

They both chose to say "fired" and suggest that being open about it can assist you process the event.

"We use countless soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful about it, the sooner you can progress.

"It's the fast track to whatever you wish to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one owning her own firm and another serving as top editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have lost your job or are contemplating a change, these are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

It's natural to have a bit low regarding your job following time off.

A professional advisor highlights the value of introspection prior to launching a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Examining your past successes to spot underlying threads can also help. "Try not to just looking at the last month, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she states.

A former editor notes it is vital to determine where your work plays in your life.

This requires being honest regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your personal and social life.

After her own experience, she recommends against letting your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Gradual Moves

The expert states that individuals can implement small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.

She herself required a long period to move from her corporate career to operating a company full-time, building the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It needed a bit longer, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.

She suggests an experimental approach.

This can include volunteering, joining an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've committed fully," she adds.

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

"It involves granting yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.

"This is a clever strategy for getting much closer to your career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased significantly in recent times.

She held a senior role in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.

Realizing that this event was not a reflection of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own worth."

The other editor was fired after ten years at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame of job loss is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

When you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, the temptation is to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.

But this is a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She advises searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

"What are {the words|the