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

Two editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.

"I dedicated everything into the position... I had faith in the principles we stood for. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

Both individuals chose to say "let go" and argue that being transparent about the situation can assist you deal with it.

"People rely on countless euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the direct path to anything you desire to pursue next," she continues.

Currently, they are excelling in new ventures, where one leading her own firm and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

For those who have been laid off or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches that can help.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

It's typical to have some unease about work after a holiday break.

A careers coach highlights the necessity of reflection prior to launching the search for a new role.

She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.

Examining your achievements to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, because we all exhibit for recent-event bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.

Another professional says it is important to establish the role of work plays in your life.

This means being honest about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your family and social life.

Following her job loss, she advises preventing your life be defined by your career.

2. Make Incremental Actions

She says people can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.

She required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to operating her own business entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

"It needed additional time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.

She advocates for a test-run approach.

This might involve volunteer work, joining a professional project that interests you, or accepting something different at your present job.

"If it fails, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, yet they function as progress in the right direction, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It means granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That can be a clever tactic for moving closer to a career change."

3. Remember Your Successes

Should you have just left your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased significantly in recent times.

She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this situation was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague lost her job after ten years in a business journal after a change in management and the hiring of a new editor.

She notes that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

When you're desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the