A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses considering our work lives.
Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured everything into that role... I had faith in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos were absent," one of them says.
Both individuals chose to use the term "let go" and believe that being transparent about the situation can aid you deal with it.
"We use countless alternative phrases for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.
"That is the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she continues.
Today, they are thriving in new positions, with one running her own firm and the other working as top 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.
It's common to have a bit low concerning your career after a holiday break.
A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back prior to launching a new job search.
She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes them.
Examining your achievements to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she adds.
She also says it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.
This requires being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your social life.
After being let go, she suggests preventing your identity be defined by your job.
The advisor says people can make incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.
She herself required a long period to move from her corporate career to operating her own company full-time, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.
"It required more time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.
She advocates for a test-run approach.
This might involve pro bono work, participating in an initiative that interests you, or accepting a different task in your existing role.
"If it fails, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to know now than after you've made the move," she adds.
Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as a step in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same field.
"It means giving yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.
"That represents a very smart strategy to get much closer to a new career."
For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased markedly recently.
A former editor was the top editor at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.
Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to handle the transition.
"What you've learned remains with you simply due to were let go.
"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."
Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a new editor.
She notes that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that feeling around with you."
When you're desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.
However, this represents a significant mistake.
Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – focusing your search on job descriptions that capture your interest.
She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that seem promising.
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Elena is a seasoned luxury travel writer with a passion for uncovering exclusive destinations and sharing insider tips.